BACOLOD City – Personnel of the San Carlos City Police in this province received P1.5 million worth of firearms and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) gear from the city government.
The firepower boost consisted of two caliber 5.56 automatic assault rifles, three caliber 40mm pistols, eight tactical police/SWAT vest with trauma plates, eight Kevlar helmets, eight pairs of tactical boots, eight gas masks, official tactical mobile entry shield, and one sniper scope.
Mayor Renato Gustilo and 1st District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor Jr. turned over to Colonel Romy Palgue, officer-in-charge (OIC) provincial director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Major Mark Angelo Junco, OIC of the San Carlos City Police, the firearms and tactical gear during the rites held at the City Council session hall on June 10.
“It has been a continuing tradition of the city to support the Philippine National Police by providing them firearms and equipment,” said Valmayor, a former city mayor.
Valmayor added he is hoping the police and the city government would have a better partnership amid these challenging times.
Palgue, for his part, thanked the city government for equipping the policemen with the required gear.
“This would increase their confidence, competence, character, and credibility in serving and protecting the people,” he added.
Junco, on the other hand, said the additional equipment would boost the police in enforcing public safety, investigation and intelligence operations.
Councilor Benito Gustilo Jr., chairman of the committee on police matters, urged policemen to be responsible in the use of equipment and to continue safeguarding the city from threats.
Last June 2, the provincial government turned over 30 units of similar gear worth P2.43 million to the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.
These included tactical bulletproof vests, ballistic plates and fast type ballistic helmets.(With a report from PNA/PN)
