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Manila Police acquires cool, new SWAT pickups

Manila Police acquires cool, new SWAT pickups

Alvin Uy

Not just the famous landmarks of Manila are getting a makeover. Even Manila’s police force are now exuding a new air of confidence when they go to a mission all because of their mean-looking rides.

Like what Manila Mayor Isko Moreno always says, don’t mess up with them.

Last Monday, Moreno personally received in behalf of the City of Manila a donation of six brand new SWAT vehicles  from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) headed by President Henry Lim Bon Liong.

The brand new Toyota Hilux pickup trucks received a major custom job done by Overland Kings and DAWG Outfitters specifically designed to meet the needs of the Manila Police Department’s Special Weapons Action Team (MPD-SWAT).  The Filipino Chinese community has been very supportive in the metro’s crime fighting as well as fire-fighting efforts by actively financing and contributing to law enforcement and fire-fighting organizations to help ensure a safer community for all. 

Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Vice President of FFCCCII led the handover in a simple turnover ceremony to Mayor Isko during the flag raising ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan last Monday morning.  “We are proud to support the local government of Manila and the MPD-SWAT during this time when we need to come together as a nation to face this pandemic,” said Dr. Pedro.  

The said donation is in addition to the 20 Toyota Vios patrol vehicles donated by FFCCCII earlier this year to the MPD.

“Since the early beginnings of this nation, the patriotism and heroism from the Filipino-Chinese community has been very helpful to our nation building. Maraming bayani ng ating bansa ay may dugong Chinese,” said Mayor Isko during the hand over.  “We are very grateful for the geneorosity of the FFCCCII” he adds.

What’s really cool about these vehicles are the crime-fighting rigs installed in these pickups like breaching ladders, steel bumpers and rock sliders, auxiliary lights, fire extinguishers, motor winches with remote, snorkel, first aid kit, high lift jack, siren with PA system and other bells and whistles that today’s modern cops would need to combat any given situation. 

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“The inspiration for these builds came from the Israeli and Mexican SWAT teams. We want to hand over a vehicle that’s ready to use and flexible for any sort of operation that the MPD-SWAT might face” says Joel Pedro, Chief Adventure Officer of Overland Kings.  

To complete the job, a set of 17” Black Rhino wheels and Nitto Exo Grappler All-Weather Tires were fitted so these vehicles can ably negotiate thru almost any terrain, including muddy and flooded streets.  

“We chose the Nitto Exo Grappler because of it’s 10-ply rating which can carry heavier loads and also give the SWAT vehicles better traction on any type of terrain.  Our Black Rhino wheels have been tested in off-road terrain all around the country so the MPD-SWAT will surely have no problem fulfilling their mission,” said Sam Liuson of Black Rhino Wheels-Philippines.