SAF to check status of unmet equipment contracts: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2021): SAF to check status of unmet equipment contracts: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday ordered the Special Action Force (SAF) to check on the status of unmet procurement contracts which were flagged by state auditors.

“I have directed the leadership of the SAF to determine and immediately report to me why some of these procurement contracts have not materialized. I have also tasked the SAF to report the current status of the contracts,” PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

In its 2020 audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said at least 29 procurement contracts entered into by SAF with various suppliers have not yet been delivered as of the end of last year.

COA also recommended to the PNP to terminate these contracts for the acquisition of troop carriers, armored vehicles, machine guns, rifles, grenade and rocket launchers, pistols, mortar, parachutes, and tactical vests, among others.

“We will consult with our PNP Legal Service kung ano ang mga susunod na hakbang na aming dapat gawin hinggil dito (on what would be our next steps regarding this matter),” Eleazar added.

Eleazar said these contracts for the purchase of various equipment for the SAF are important in enhancing the unit's operational capability.

"Kaya’t ang focus natin dito ay talagang ma-i-deliver sa ating SAF ang mga equipment na makatutulong ng malaki sa kanilang operasyon (So our focus here is to really be able to deliver to our SAF the equipment that will help a lot in their operation),” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146862