Mandaue police to get new rifles

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing fulfills anew his commitment to public safety, as the city will be purchasing 12 units of full-automatic rifles for the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).

Quisumbing said the firearms, worth P2.9 million in total, would help the police force tighten its watch against crime.

City Administrator Danilo Almendras said the turnover of firearms will be covered by a deed of donation and is supported by resolutions approved by the City Council.

If the firearms are to be registered in the name of the city government, the United Defense Manufacturing Corporation, the company from which the city will purchase the firearms, will provide the semi-automatic types.

But since the mayor had decided that the firearms would be registered under the name of the Philippine National Police-Mandaue City Office, the company will provide full automatic rifles.

Based on the deed of donation, the firearms shall be solely and exclusively used in the city for peace and order duties and functions of the MCPO within the territorial boundaries of the city.

Last year, the city also turned over six new patrol cars worth P1 million each to MCPO, which have been distributed to six police precincts.

The mayor promised to purchase four more vehicles for the police this year, including two or three double-cab pickup trucks that can be used during emergencies, additional firearms as well as communication equipment. —/JBB  (FREEMAN)