PNP K9 Unit depletion threatens security operations, says CoA
A K9 handler from the Philippine National Police keeps watch alongside his trained service dog, wearing seasonal Christmas accessories, during a routine security inspection on Thursday.
Photograph by Analy Labor for DAILY TRIBUNE
The number of active police service dogs in the Philippine National Police (PNP) will fall significantly below operational targets in coming years due to retirement and delayed procurement, according to the Commission on Audit (CoA).
In its latest annual audit report, state auditors noted that the PNP maintains only 347 active service dogs, failing to meet the minimum benchmark of 510 units mandated under General Order No. DPL-14-12 issued in 2016.
Auditors warned that 304 of the current working dogs are scheduled for retirement between 2026 and 2030, which would leave the police force with just 43 deployable K9 units nationwide.
The audit agency emphasized that K9 units perform critical law enforcement functions, including explosive detection, search and rescue, combat tracking, and security patrols across key infrastructure and public spaces.
“This significant deficiency, resulting from poor procurement planning, represents a substantial gap between the approved organizational requirement and the existing operational capability of the unit,” the CoA report stated.
The PNP is attempting to acquire 148 untrained dogs through its Capability Enhancement Program at a cost of P19.14 million. However, auditors pointed out that even if completed, the acquisition would still leave a shortage of 34 service dogs relative to the required threshold.
Although the PNP National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee approved the procurement on 17 March, final acquisition was deferred pending revisions to testing parameters.
The auditing body recommended that the PNP expedite the pending procurement while re-evaluating whether the 510-dog threshold remains sufficient for current operational needs. CoA confirmed it will monitor the police force’s compliance with its corrective directives.