The Philippine National Police (PNP) is open to proposals to elevate its Air Unit to the status of a national support unit, a move seen to enhance the organization’s operational capabilities.
In a GMA News Online report, PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III said the idea, which originated from the National Police Commission (Napolcom), is currently under review. “We are welcoming those ideas or proposals especially of the [vice chairperson and executive officer of the National Police Commission]. Sila ang mga boss natin sa administration, operation, and the control of the PNP,” Torre told reporters on Monday.
He added that the PNP is carefully evaluating the cost-benefit ratio of the proposed elevation, citing the significant increase in hangar maintenance costs—from P1.9 million to P24 million annually—among the many factors being considered.
Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan recently voiced strong support for the air unit’s modernization. “The PNP Air Unit plays a crucial role in rapid deployment, aerial surveillance, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. It is high time we consider elevating the PNP Air Unit into a full-fledged national support unit,” he said.
If implemented, the proposal could give the air unit greater resources and a more robust role within the national police framework.
In the same briefing, Torre also expressed appreciation for Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s re-filing of the AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund Act. The bill seeks to allocate P25 billion each for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP over a five-year period to upgrade their respective camps and infrastructure.
“Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa move ni Senator Cayetano. Obviously, napakalaking suporta yan para sa ating kapulisan para aming ma-improve ang aming facilities especially ang aming mga kampo,” Torre said.
