DILG Secretary Mar Roxas in a press conference on October 24, 2012 shared the status of the 66,000 side arms purchased by the Philippine National Police.  “The first batch of orders is expected to be delivered and be deployed to PNP personnel on December – January 2013”, the Secretary said.    

   Sec. Roxas also said that a total of 60,000 units were identified as shortage and the said purchase will ensure completion of side arms requirements for PNP personnel nationwide.  “As directed by Pres. Aquino, PNP purchased side arms in bulk, thus, the government saved so much by having a competitive price of only P16-17,000 per side arm versus the retail price of P45-50,000 per side arm”, he added. 

   The SILG also said that the generated savings (roughly P30,000 per side arm) can be used by PNP in training of its personnel and purchase of other equipment requirements. 
     
    The procurement of firearms is part of the PNP Capability Enhancement Program which aims to provide every police officer with his or her own handgun.