The Philippine National Police (PNP) received a significant boost in its counterterrorism efforts with the donation of state-of-the-art equipment from the Office of Antiterrorism Assistance Program of the Diplomatic Security Services, American Embassy.
Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson, US Ambassador to the Philippines, formally turned over the donation to the Regional Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (RECU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on March 1, 2023 in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The donated equipment, valued at over 3.3 million US dollars, include 31 Bomb Suits, 37 Digital SCANX, 40 X-Ray Sources, 10 EOD Bomb Suit Batteries, 33 High-Risk Search Techniques Kits, 13 Seeker-e Kits, and 7 Pick-up Ford Ranger Trucks.
This equipment will significantly enhance PNP’s capabilities in detecting and preventing terrorist threats in the country, and in responding to them, according to Police Major General Ronaldo Olay, PNP Director for Logistics, who personally received the donations on behalf of the Philippine National Police.
The turn-over ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both PNP and the US Embassy, wherein they emphasized the importance of the said donation in strengthening the partnership between the two countries in addressing security concerns.
“We are extremely grateful for this donation which will undoubtedly be a game-changer in our ability to fulfill our mission to keep our communities safe from terrorism and other forms of criminality. This donation also highlights the strong partnership between the Philippine National Police and the American embassy, and we are deeply appreciative of this gesture of support from our American allies,” PMGen Olay added.
Ambassador Carlson stressed the US government’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its fight against terrorism, stating, “The United States remains steadfast in its friendship and commitment to the Government of the Philippines, and we are very proud of our continuing partnership in the fight against terrorism. I am confident that working together, we will be able to deter, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism.”
PCol Albert Magno, Acting Director, PNP EOD/K9 Group, the end-user of the donated equipment, assured the public that the equipment will be put to good use in serving the Filipino people and protecting them from the threat of terrorism.
At the event, the PNP EOD/K9 Group exhibited their proficiency in handling explosive devices and identifying prohibited substances through the utilization of expertly trained K9s and other operational robotics machinery.
The Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) provides antiterrorism equipment and training to law enforcement agencies of partner nations globally. With its establishment in 1983, ATA has trained over 150,000 first responders and law enforcement officials from more than 150 countries in counterterrorism tactics.
This program supported the Philippine National Police (PNP) since 1986 when it was created by the US government to provide antiterrorism training and equipment to law enforcement agencies of partner nations throughout the world. Since then, the program has been instrumental in enhancing the PNP’s capabilities in counterterrorism and other law enforcement operations through the provision of various forms of assistance, including training, technical assistance, and equipment donations.
