LET’S HAVE MORE POLICE HELICOPTERS

LET’S HAVE MORE POLICE HELICOPTERS The Philippine National Police (PNP) Air Unit plays a crucial role in law enforcement, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. With its current fleet of seven Airbus H125 helicopters, two Robinson R44 helicopters, and a fixed-wing trainer aircraft, the unit has shown its effectiveness in various missions. However, I believe it’s time we consider expanding this fleet to better serve the nation. The Need for Expansion Currently, the PNP operates nine helicopters. This fleet is spread thin across the country, limiting the Air Unit’s capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies, enforce laws effectively, or provide adequate disaster relief. To address this, I propose that each of the 16 regions, excluding Metro Manila, should have at least one helicopter. Metro Manila, given its dense population and unique challenges, should have four helicopters. This brings the ideal fleet size to 20 helicopters, meaning the PNP would need to acquire 11 more units. Is this too much to ask for? Absolutely not. The lives these helicopters could save and the efficiency they could bring to law enforcement and disaster response far outweigh the cost. Multi-Purpose Use While the primary purpose of these helicopters would be law enforcement, their utility extends beyond policing. They could play a vital role in search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and disaster relief. It’s essential, however, to clearly delineate their roles to avoid overlap with military operations, which should remain the responsibility of the Philippine Air Force. Enhancing Pilot Training and Retention A significant challenge for the PNP Air Unit is maintaining a robust cadre of skilled pilots. Military pilots are often seconded to the PNP, but I believe the PNP should develop its own team of civilian pilots. These pilots could even be classified as non-uniformed personnel (NUP) if necessary. To ensure a steady pipeline of talent, the PNP could: Offer scholarships: Provide financial assistance to students interested in becoming pilots, with long-term service contracts to ensure they stay with the PNP for a significant period. Train existing personnel: Sponsor the training of PNP officers or new Philippine National Police Academy graduates to become pilots. Collaborate with private airlines: Partner with aviation companies for skill upgrades and specialized training programs. Additionally, the PNP should develop a robust succession plan to address the frequent poaching of pilots by commercial airlines. Funding and Partnerships Acquiring 11 new helicopters is undoubtedly a significant expense, but there are various ways to fund this expansion: Government budgets: The national budget should prioritize the Air Unit as a critical component of public safety. Private sector donations: Companies could donate funds or equipment in exchange for tax credits. International aid: Organizations like USAID, JICA, and AUSAID could provide funding or donate helicopters to bolster the fleet. Learning from International Models In the United States, police helicopters are widely used at the local, state, and federal levels. Agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and the New York City Police Department have established robust aviation units funded through local budgets, federal grants, and private sector support. Their models demonstrate how helicopters can enhance public safety and law enforcement efficiency. Conclusion Expanding the PNP’s helicopter fleet is an investment in the nation’s safety and resilience. By increasing the number of helicopters, ensuring proper pilot training, and securing funding through diverse sources, the PNP can significantly enhance its ability to serve the public. Let’s take this opportunity to strengthen our law enforcement and disaster response capabilities—because when it comes to saving lives, no cost is too high. Let’s have more police helicopters. The benefits are clear, and the need is urgent. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 02-07-2025