JV BATS FOR A STRONG POLICE AIR ASSET; TO PUSH FOR FUNDS TO PURCHASE 4 HELICOPTERS

SENATOR JV Ejercito has vowed to revive the air asset of the Philippine National Police as part of building a strong anti-terrorism force.

In a speech during the 25th Anniversary of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame last Monday (July 17), Ejercito announced that he will convince his colleagues in the Senate to appropriate fund in next year's budget for the purchase of 3 or 4 helicopters for the police force.

"In this budget season, we will strengthen the anti-terrorism unit because it (terrorism) is becoming the norm in the world today. Then, we can purchase two or three more (helicopters) so that you will improve the crime-fighting and anti-terrorism capabilities of the Philippine National Police," he said.

Ejercito said boosting the capabilities of the PNP is a necessary step since police forces in most countries are the first strike units against terrorists.

He said what the PNP needs are helicopters, strong weapons, vehicles, communication gadgets and monitoring and surveillance equipment and also watercrafts.

Ejercito has asked PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa to submit to him the list of equipment for the PNP.

"Sabi ko, Chief (Dela Rosa), ibigay mo na sa akin ang inyong wish list para ngayong budget season, aside from the air assets that we want to revive, you will improve the crime-fighting and anti-terrorism capability of the Philippine National Police," he said.

He added: "We will make sure that the Philippine National Police will be well-equipped in fighting crimes, in the war against illegal drugs, and in fighting these terrorists. This time around, I will not allow that the PNP is ill-equipped."