Philippine National Police Chief Debold Sinas on Friday announced the acquisition of more bullet-proof vests for police officers in the conduct of anti-crime operations.
“For years, we have been acquiring police equipment that would be used by our personnel in the field while fulfilling their duties as law enforcers. And this time we will acquire more bullet-proof vests to ensure the safety of our personnel whose lives are in peril in times of police operations,” Sinas said in a statement.
This came following an incident where a police officer wearing a bulletproof vest survived after being shot by suspected gun-for-hire suspects in an operation in Labo, Camarines Norte, this week.
Sinas said “armed criminals are prepared to confront for a shootout against our police operatives.
“Wearing armor vests will save the lives of the lawmen during a firefight to prevent possible loss of life and injuries.”
Sinas said as part of his core guidance, all police personnel on operations, such as patrol, anti-illegal drugs, anti-kidnapping and others must wear bulletproof vests and other protective equipment.
On Dec. 16, Staff Sgt. Alex Tortogo Bayona, a member of the PNP Special Action Force assigned at the 94th Special Action Company, was saved by a tactical gear during an armed confrontation against notorious gun-for-hire and New People’s Army suspects in Labo, Camarines Norte.
Bayona is now recovering in a medical facility.