PNP-8, LGU South Leyte plan site for chopper base

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): PNP-8, LGU South Leyte plan site for chopper base (By Marcelo M. Pedalino)

MAASIN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas is working closely with the provincial government of Southern Leyte for a sizeable lot where a hangar for air power capability would be built.

This was the main subject of discussion when Police Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, PNP-8 regional director, visited Gov. Damian Mercado in a courtesy call Thursday, January 2.

Present during the meeting at the governor’s office were Police Col. Nelson Eucogco, PNP provincial director, and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

In a follow-up telephone interview, PCol. Eucogco said the PNP regional office was looking for an area to build a structure that will house two helicopter units.

The vicinity of the airport in barangay Panan-awan was considered for its safe location during inclement weather, as well as easy access to respond for calls in neighboring Leyte towns, Eucogco reported.

The two choppers were already procured by the PNP and what is lacking is the sizeable lot where a hangar would be put up, Eucogco disclosed, adding that procurement of the desired lot by the provincial government is now under negotiation.

As soon as the lot shall have been formally purchased, the PNP-8 will then finance the construction of the hangar facility, Eucogco further said.

Meanwhile, Eucogco also revealed that the project for the new administration building of the Southern Leyte police provincial office (SLPPO) was already in the hands of the DPWH-Southern Leyte for implementation.

He was hopeful that work for the new SLPPO building can start anytime this year, inasmuch as almost all stations of the PNP in the field were already new, except the main office. (LDL/MMP/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032271