By Cali Asajar
Sen. Erwin Tulfo has urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to expand and relocate Philippine National Police (PNP) air assets to regional hubs to speed up emergency response, rescue operations, and law enforcement outside Metro Manila.
During the DILG’s 2027 budget briefing, Tulfo said helicopters could help authorities reach remote areas faster, particularly forests in Palawan and the Sierra Madre, where illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming remain concerns.
“Right now, forest rangers have to trek for two days just to inspect illegal logging activities. If the Philippine National Police (PNP) had proper air support on standby, deployment would be immediate,” Tulfo said.
He also pointed to Metro Manila’s traffic as another reason for stronger aerial capabilities.
“Is there a plan from the PNP to augment air assets for faster response? For instance, there’s heavy traffic in Metro Manila. Mobility will be faster if there are air assets,” he said.
Senate Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito backed the proposal, suggesting that PNP helicopters be stationed in regional hubs such as Cebu, Davao, and La Union instead of being concentrated in Manila.
The move would allow faster deployment for search and rescue, disaster response, and medical evacuations.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said drones could boost surveillance but would not replace helicopters for rescue missions.
He recommended utility helicopters capable of tactical drop-offs, winching, and medical evacuations, noting that some existing executive transport models lack these capabilities.
Remulla also called for a review of PNP aircraft maintenance after three helicopter crashes in four years involving its eight-unit fleet.
He proposed considering outsourced maintenance to improve airworthiness and safety, while Tulfo said he would support funding for new air assets, hangars, and upgraded maintenance systems.