PNP backs proposed air unit upgrade, P25-B camp development fund

The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed support Monday to the proposals for its air unit’s elevation to national support unit status and for a P25-billion fund to improve its camps.

At a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III said the organization is still studying the effects of making the PNP Air Unit as a full-fledged national support unit.

“We are welcoming those ideas or proposals especially of the [vice chairperson and executive officer of the National Police Commission]. Sila ang mga boss natin sa administration, operation, and the control of the PNP,” Torre said.

(We are welcoming those ideas or proposals especially of the Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer of the National Police Commission. They are our bosses in the administration, operation, and control of the PNP.)

“That's under study. Tinitignan namin ang cost-benefit ratio ng move. Tinitignan naming yung maintenance ng unit actually dahil medyo tumaas ang hangar natin from P1.9 million to P24 million annually dahil nga sa iba't ibang factors,” he added.

(That's under study. We are looking at the cost-benefit ratio of the move. We are looking at the maintenance of the unit actually because our hangar has increased from P1.9 million to P24 million annually due to various factors.)

Last week, Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said he is ready to pass a formal resolution to support the modernization and operational needs of the unit.

“The PNP Air Unit plays a crucial role in rapid deployment, aerial surveillance, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. It is high time we consider elevating the PNP Air Unit into a full-fledged national support unit,” he said.

According to Napolcom, the move will provide the PNP Air Unit with broader resources, strategic reach, and a stronger mandate within the police organization.

Meanwhile, Torre also expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for refiling a bill that seeks to allocate P25 billion each for the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over five years.

The proposed AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund Act aims to support the police and military forces by ensuring long-term funding for infrastructure improvements.

“Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa move ni Senator Cayetano. Obviously, napakalaking suporta yan para sa ating kapulisan para aming ma-improve ang aming facilities especially ang aming mga kampo,” Torre said.

(We are grateful for Senator Cayetano's move. Obviously, it is a great support for our police force so that we can improve our facilities, especially our camps.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News