PNP needs 45,000 new cops

Philippine National Police chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said the police organization is in need of some 45,000 new officers to further strengthen the campaign against terrorists and criminal elements.

Apart from the shortage of policemen, the PNP is also short of 18,000 handguns for its 114,000 personnel as well as vehicles to use in their anti-crime operations.

"The PNP continues to evolve as a professional organization and continues to perform their sworn duty of protecting people despite the insufficient number of personnel and equipment," Lomibao said during rites commemorating the 104th anniversary of the Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Lomibao is determined to upgrade the equipment of the police organization, both in terms of firepower and communication under his "shoot, move, communicate and investigate" campaign plan.

The PNP chief revealed that he created a special body focused on reviewing the eligibility of those being considered for promotion of both officers and rank and file to give importance to the welfare and morale of each PNP personnel.

During the recognition ceremony, Lomibao honored PC-INP and PNP former chiefs, who contributed to the positive changes in the organization.

These include former President Fidel Ramos, retired police generals Santiago Alino, Umberto Rodriguez, Roberto Lastimoso and Edgar Aglipay.

The PNP also honored PNP-INP chiefs who have since passed away, including Gen. Rafael Crame, Maj. Gen. Mariano Castaneda, Lt. Gen. Pelayo Cruz, Brig. Gen. Isagani Campo, Brig. Gen. Flaviano Olivarez and Brig. Gen. Vicente Raval.