PRO-7 to get additional pistols

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will be receiving at least 1,300 new firearms from the national government in line with their aim to strengthen the police force of the country.

 As part of the 74,879 firearms procured by the Philippine National Police (PNP), 1,310 Glock 17 pistols will be distributed to Police Officers 1 to 3 in the component cities of Region 7, said Chief Insp. Maribel Getigan.

Getigan, head of direct support to the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division of PRO 7, said the pistols are currently being stenciled at Camp Crame, the last step before these are finally shipped here.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO)will be getting a large chunk of the 1,310 as they are set to receive 302 pistols while Lapu-Lapu City Police Office will be receiving 293 pistols and Mandaue City Police Office with 158 pistols.

The rest of the firearms will be distributed to the police station of Carcar City, Naga City, Bogo City, Talisay City and Danao City. The component cities of Negros Oriental and Bohol will also get its share, said Getigan.

While waiting for the pistols to arrive, Getigan said they are conducting proficiency firing tests and seminars to police officers who shall earn the right to use the brand new pistols.

“Kung kinsa tong makapasar, maoy makaangkon sa bag-ong pistola,” said Getigan.

The PRO-7 official said they have started the firing test last August 14 for low-ranking police officers in Cebu and more tests shall follow in the weeks to come for police officers in Negros and Bohol provinces.

For now, 200 prospective users have passed the proficiency test, she said.

Supt. Renato Dugan, PRO 7’s chief of Regional Public Information Office, said there are still 43 percent or 3,200 personnel out of 8,300 of PRO-7’s strong force who lack service firearms.

“Hopefully, PRO 7 will be given more (firearms),” said Dugan.

In July, President Benigno Aquino III distributed brand new Glock 17 Generation 4 pistols to the PNP, as he committed to strengthen the police force by providing it with more equipment and to achieve its goal of 1:1 police to firearm ratio.  (FREEMAN)