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PNP welcomes PRRD move to give smuggled Hummers to cops, soldiers

By Benjamin Pulta

August 2, 2018, 1:38 pm

<p><strong>'HOT' CARS DESTROYED. </strong>President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the inspection of contraband luxury vehicles before they were subjected to condemnation and public destruction at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on July 30, 2018. A total of 68 contraband luxury vehicles worth over PHP277 million and eight contraband luxury motorbikes worth over PHP19 million were destroyed as part of the President's campaign against smuggling and corruption in the government. Joining the President are Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CEZA) Administrator and CEO Raul Lambino, and Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. <em>(Robinson Niñal/Presidential Photo)</em></p>

'HOT' CARS DESTROYED. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the inspection of contraband luxury vehicles before they were subjected to condemnation and public destruction at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on July 30, 2018. A total of 68 contraband luxury vehicles worth over PHP277 million and eight contraband luxury motorbikes worth over PHP19 million were destroyed as part of the President's campaign against smuggling and corruption in the government. Joining the President are Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CEZA) Administrator and CEO Raul Lambino, and Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. (Robinson Niñal/Presidential Photo)

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he welcomes the decision of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to give the 10 Hummer trucks which were smuggled into the country to the military and the police.

"That is a very welcome development. Kailangan natin (ito) sa (We need this for the) CEP (Capability Enhancement Program). Alam natin yung ating kapulisan, even the (Armed Forces of the Philippines), meron pa rin tayong kakulangan (hindi lang) sa (We know that our police force, and even the AFP is lacking not only in) mobility but also in communication and investigation equipment. We want to thank the President at concerned siya sa (for his concern for the) CEP," Albayalde told reporters.

The PNP chief said if the donation pushes through, maintenance would not be much of a problem as the PNP used to operate Hummers in the past.

The seized Hummers were spared from destruction of 69 smuggled luxury vehicles which were witnessed by the President on Monday.

"Remember, we were once issued a Hummer and maraming civilian nagmamay-ari ng Hummer. Marami nagmemekaniko at gumagawa ng repairs (There are many civilians who own a Hummer. There are also those who know how to fix and repair these)," Albayalde added.

The PNP's CEP has hit snags following the failure of one supplier to provide post-acquisition service and support for the PNP's India-made Mahindra brand patrol vehicles. (PNA)

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