LEGAZPI CITY --- Police Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Police Civil Relations (DPCR), disclosed on Monday here that the Arroyo administration has earmarked P10 billion to modernize the police force throughout the country.

        Bataoil in a dialogue with Bicol’s police officials at Camp Simeon Ola here said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has recently announced the P10 billion funds her administration has allocated to pursue a PNP modernization program until 2010, the year when her term ends.

        The PNP has initially purchased 500 new patrol cars that will be distributed to various police units across the country. “This is part of the police mobility enhancement program being implemented this year,” Bataoil said.

        The public may look forward to an efficient and effective police service with the modernization program it has in line, he added.

        The amount would be used to purchase vehicles, trucks, sea crafts, helicopters, communication equipments, high powered and short firearms and other equipment necessary for police operations and intelligence and investigation services.

        Bataoil was here to receive a doctoral degree on Peace, Security and Development during the commencement rites at the Bicol University in Albay Astrodome last Tuesday.

        He advised the officers of the PNP in Bicol led by Officer-in-Charge Senior Supt. Robert Bondoc to seriously pursue the “Transformation” Program initiated by PNP Chief Gen. Avelino Razon which he said covers three dimensions.

        These three dimensions he enumerated as:

        (1) Physical which involves improving personnel communication and investigative capabilities, setting up of world class police stations equipped with high-tech facilities;

        (2) Mental dimension which involves the regular upgrading of personnel knowledge, skills and practices to provide the public with an efficient and effective services, and;

        (3) Moral and Spiritual dimensions which involve development of moral and spiritual values.

        “With the three dimensions, we will push the PNP forward following its universal motto – to protect and serve as embodied in Police Director General Razon’s ‘Mamang Pulis’ Program,” Bataoil said.

        Mamang Pulis expects to enforce laws effectively, winning the war against criminality while winning the people’s trust and confidence on the men in uniform.

        “The thrust and confidence given by the public to the police will create an environment conducive to economic development,” he concluded.