Japan donates bomb suits
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 09:12:48 +0000
POLICE bomb specialists wear the Japanese-oriented bomb suits during the ceremonial turnover at Camp Crame, Quezon City. (Mark Balmores)
THE JAPANESE government has donated bomb suits and other equipment worth P210 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of its effort to strengthen its anti-terrorism and crime-fighting capabilities.
The donation came several days after the Jolo Cathedral bombing in Sulu that left 23 people dead and nearly 100 churchgoers and members of the security forces wounded.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda said the donation is also meant to boost the Philippine government’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
“Amid the challenges of violent extremism in the region, it is crucial now more and ever that Japan and the Philippines work together to improve capabilities, keeping in mind that the safety of our people is of paramount importance,” said Haneda in his speech during the ceremonial turnover Tuesday.
“This is the rationale underlying Japan’s continuing support and continuing partnership with the Philippines,” he said.
The donation is made up of six bomb suits, six ballistic shields and 440 ballistic helmets.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the bomb suits will be given to the Firearms and Explosives units, while the shields and helmets will be go to units which are on the frontlines in conducting operations against criminal elements and insurgents.
“We are truly grateful that the partnership of the two nations, Japan and the Philippines, have been continuously strengthened and further enriched to different programs such as grant aids for economic and social development programs in which donations are part of,” said Albayalde.
“In these challenging times that lawless elements attempt to spoil the progress of lasting peace that we have been establishing in our country, these new assets will definitely boost the PNP’s capability enhancement program especially in addressing counter-terrorism and public security issues,” he said. (Aaron Recuenco)