MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police has acquired today four new patrol gunboats.
During a turnover ceremony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, PNP chief director general Jesus Verzosa received from US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. the four 31-footer rigid-hull buoyant boats as part of the technical assistance package provided by the US government to the PNP through the US International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP).
The patrol boats, manufactured by NAIAD of Rhode Island, is powered by twin 250HP engines that can reach speeds up to 51 knots, and is fully equipped with navigation, communication and weapons systems.
The ICITAP has provided the technical assistance and logistics for establishment of the Special Boat Unit (SBU) of the PNP Maritime Group stationed in Puerto Princesa City. Last year, the PNP formally inaugurated the headquarters and boathouse of the SBU in Palawan, constructed in a 2,000-square meter lot donated by the city government of Puerto Princesa and funded by an ICITAP grant.
Two more patrol boats are expected to be delivered to complete the SBU operational complement. - By Dennis Carcamo
