MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for proposals to elevate its air unit to national support unit status and to secure a ₱25-billion fund for camp development.
PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III said Monday that the organization is still evaluating the proposal’s potential benefits and costs, especially regarding the increased maintenance costs of its air hangar, which jumped from ₱1.9 million to ₱24 million annually.
“We welcome these proposals, particularly those from the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which oversees our administration, operations, and control,” Torre said during a press briefing.
Napolcom Vice Chair and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan last week expressed his intent to file a formal resolution backing the air unit’s elevation. He highlighted the unit’s critical role in emergency deployment, aerial surveillance, disaster response, and search and rescue missions.
Calinisan emphasized that elevating the air unit would grant it greater resources, broader operational reach, and a more significant mandate within the PNP.
In addition, Torre thanked Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for refiling a bill that proposes a ₱25-billion fund for both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over five years. The AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund Act aims to strengthen police and military infrastructure.
“This is a major support for the police. It will greatly help us improve our camp facilities,” Torre said.