The city government of Valenzuela has intensified its peace and order efforts with the turnover of a fleet of brand new patrol vehicles and the establishment of the city’s own K9 Unit and Kennel for the local Philippine National Police.
The 60 police vehicles are designed for increased mobility and visibility, to ensure the effectiveness of peace and order operations around the city, particularly in the fight against illegal drugs and the threats of terrorism, Mayor Rex Gatchalian said.
The city government allotted P1,017,740 for each police vehicle, amounting to P61,064,400 for all 60 units. Each patrol car is equipped with a global positioning system and dashboard cameras to ensure efficient and disciplined usage of the police cars.
These features also warrant transparent response operation by the local law enforcers, the PNP said. Furthermore, the footage from dashcams are considered highly reliable evidence in investigating cases.
A conference room in the police station was converted into a command center to monitor the location of the vehicles and the footage of each dashcam in them.
Likewise, as fears of terrorism loom continually in the metropolis, the local government invested in the establishment of Valenzuela City Police Station’s own K-9 Unit and Kennel.
The city spent a P4 million for the renovation of a 400-square meter idle property into a more conducive home to the K-9 Unit and the pack of dogs. It also spent P2.1 million for the six K9 dogs of beagle, Belgian Malinois, Jack Russel, and Labrador breeds.
These new “paw-lice” dogs are expected to enhance the Valenzuela City police’s anti-drug and anti-terrorism drive, Gatchalian added.
Prior to the turnover, the mayor lauded the efforts of the local police force in curbing crime and drugs in the city.
“The local government has been providing necessary equipment to the VCPS for an enhanced capacity building for the local police force. They have been provided with motorcycles, firearms and gears, among other needs,” he said.
