PNP seeks outlay for disaster preparedness

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 20 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has sought the help of Congress and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for more funds for the procurement of disaster preparedness equipment next year.

PNP Deputy Director General for Operations Archie Francisco Gamboa said in a press briefing here Tuesday afternoon that although disaster preparedness is not part of their mandate, the PNP has been actively engaged in this endeavor.

“Because we are present in every city and town, we are always expected to be there to respond. As a matter of fact, if you can see in Itogon, Benguet, majority of those who convinced residents to evacuate were policemen,” Gamboa said.

Itogon town in northern Philippines is one of the areas that suffered heavily during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong over the weekend, when a landslide occurred, killing at least 60 people.

“We are starting to procure disaster preparedness equipment but not that extensive. We are still haggling with the DBM and even Congress to give us enough budget for disaster preparedness equipment,” Gamboa told reporters.

For 2019, the PNP will get a budget PHP172.34 billion, which is roughly 30 percent or PHP40 billion higher than the PNP budget this year. About 67 percent or more than PHP151 billion will be dedicated to crime prevention and suppression efforts.

No specific budget was set aside for disaster preparedness, prompting the PNP to source out funds from this initiative from the PNP’s maintenance and other operating expenses, Gamboa said.

According to him, they still have to come up with estimates of the required budget for PNP’s disaster preparedness starting 2019 or 2020.

The police official was in the province to represent PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde during the 117th Police Service Anniversary in the region.

In Albayalde’s message delivered by Gamboa, the former reminded policemen to always be vigilant and to strengthen their camp security to avoid attacks by communist rebels.

He also lauded the achievements of the regional police office on crime prevention and anti-illegal drugs. The official also assured that the drive against police “scalawags” will continue.

“Our achievements are being overshadowed by uniformed personnel involved in illegal activities. Without these rogue cops who refused to toe the line, we could have achieved what we did in these past years. With some of them still around, the work of good cops may be put to waste. This is why internal cleansing is being given much effort,” he said.

During the celebration, Gamboa also led the awarding of outstanding policemen, PNP units in the region, and civilian employees in field offices. (RTA/PNA)