ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento formally turned over Wednesday at least 42 units of police patrol jeeps to two provinces in Zamboanga peninsula.
Sarmiento personally handed over the units to police commanders and mayors of the respective towns of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur provinces during a simple rite held at the headquarters of Police Regional Office 9 in Camp Abendan, Barangay Mercedes.
At least 16 patrol jeep units went to the Zamboanga Sibugay and the 26 others to Zamboanga del Sur.
“The patrol jeeps would help our police in the areas for quick security response and the operational plan ‘Lambat Sibat’ conceived by former Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas,” Sarmiento said.
The DILG will be distributing at least 1,454 patrol jeeps nationwide to upgrade police operations and security service.
Police Director Juanito Vaño Jr., director for logistics of the Philippine National Police said they have distributed 747 patrol jeeps to 39 provinces in the country since May this year.
The remaining 707 units would be distributed in January next year to provide security in the forthcoming May 2016 elections.
“The patrol jeep units will render our police for quicker response, reach the areas and render fast services,” Vaño said.
He said the patrol jeep can carry 12 passengers and have been tested for rough terrain and different types of road conditions and would be used as workhorse for police operations.