PNP sets aside P1.4-M fund for 7 horses in 2012

(Updated 6:17 p.m.) In the past, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired helicopters to armored personnel carriers and rubber boats. In 2012, it will acquire another means of transportation: horses. According to PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo on Monday, the police force intends to acquire seven horses for P1.4 million next year. "(It's) for the Cordilleras," Bacalzo told senators at the budget hearing of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). He said horses are needed in rugged terrain where vehicles may not be able to pass. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, jokingly said during the hearing, "Hindi naman siguro kabayo ni Mikey ito." Lacson was referring to the race horses of Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo, the eldest son of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Lacson later explained to reporters that the PNP was planning to acquire seven locally bred horses at P200,000 each. "P1.4 million (ang hinihingi) so P200,000 per kabayo," he said. "Sa akin okay lang yan huwag lang secondhand. Sa mga bundok ito sa Cordillera raw," he added. The PNP has been embroiled in recent scandals over its purchase of used helicopters, as well as alleged irregularities over its acquisition of rubber boats and the supposed overpriced repair of armored personnel carriers. In a separate interview on Tuesday, Bacalzo said that apart from Abra, the PNP might also consider using horses in southern Philippines, especially in areas with rugged terrain. Bacalzo cited a project that the PNP undertook in Tagaytay City in Cavite with the help of the local government that employed horses a means of transportation for police in place of vehicles. "Alam ninyo sa Tagaytay City ay may mga barangay diyan na mahirap akyatin or lusutan ng sasakyan so kabayo ang aming ginamit diyan so I agree with the observation," Bacalzo said. In preparation for the planned deployment of horses, the PNP chief also said policemen in these areas will have to undergo horseback riding lessons. - with Mark Merueñas/VVP/RSJ, GMA News