PNP to acquire its own air force

PNP to acquire its own air force

MANILA (AFP): The Philippine National Police (PNP) plan to
acquire their own aircraft and boats, starting with eight light
planes and a helicopter, Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan said
here yesterday.

Alunan said the planes and helicopter would be used to monitor
the movements of smugglers, spotting illegal loggers, blast
fishermen, pirates and cultivators of illegal drugs.

The planes, costing US$90,000 each, will be made by an
American company in the central Philippine city of Cebu, using
U.S. engines. He did not say where the helicopter would come
from.

He said they hoped to acquire 55 aircraft and 88 boats by
1998. The PNP has previously relied on the military to provide
air and sea transport.