PNP gets P300 million to fight insurgency

DAVAO CITY — The Philippine National Police is ready to use a P300-million fund from Malacañang to fight rebels and terrorists.

Speaking at the Philippine Mayors’ League of Luzon congress at the Apo View Hotel here yesterday, PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said the first P150 million shall be used to buy guns and other modern equipment to boost the police force’s firepower.

The remaining P150 million will be used to enhance their intelligence network and implement reforms for the benefit of policemen, he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP has activated the Mindanao Area Police Office (MAPO) based here to strengthen its operations in the south.

Deputy Director Isidro Lapeña, MAPO chief, told The STAR his office shall oversee the various police units comprising the six regions in Mindanao.

The MAPO shall be the police’s counterpart of the Armed Forces Southern Command based in Zamboanga City, he added.

Lapeña said he would be holding office on certain days of the week here in Davao City while he handles the operational aspect of the entire PNP command.

"There are problems that are specific to Mindanao, so a particular office for the police operations in the area is just but appropriate," he said.

Lapeña is also on top of the police component in the preparations for the coming ASEAN leaders’ meeting in Cebu.