Aquino vows stronger PNP, AFP

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President Aquino has vowed to enhance the capabilities of the military and the police, including the hiring of new recruits and purchasing of equipment, next year.

Under the proposed 2011 national budget, the President said the Department of National Defense (DND) would get a budget of P104.7 billion, while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) would receive P88.2 billion to ensure peace and order and public safety.

Of the DND budget, the President said P5 billion would be utilized for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) would get P130 million to restore the S-211 aircraft while the Philippine Army (PA) will be provided with some P28 million for the upgrading of Trauma Management Infrastructure and Health Services Equipment.

“The people’s security and safety are a top priority of my administration.

We will strengthen the police and the armed forces,” the President said in his budget message.

The President said at least P69.4 billion would be allotted to modernize the police force, or 79.8 percent of the total budget of the DILG, which has control over the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The government will spend P2 billion for the purchase of equipment for the police and P221 million for the hiring of 3,000 police officers next year. Around P100 million will also fund the construction of police stations.

The latest budget support for the PNP comes amid criticisms over its bungled rescue attempt in a bus hijacking last Aug. 23 that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.

To enhance the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the government also plans to spend P1.3 billion for the hiring of 500 jail officers, the purchase of 500 short firearms, and funding for subsistence and medicine allowances of detainees.

At least P8.2 billion has been set aside for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Of the amount, P138 million will be for the salaries and allowances of 500 Fire Officers who will be hired, as well as for the acquisition of firefighting gear.

source:mb