The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Wednesday received 200 M-16 rifles which it hopes will help them against better-armed criminal elements.

QCPD director Chief Supt. Elmo San Diego said the new weapons in their arsenal would help in their campaign against criminals who are armed with high-caliber weapons such as those who attacked Waltermart and other malls in Metro Manila.

“We want our policemen to be able to face such kind of criminals,” said San Diego, noting that the new firearms came from the QC City Hall.

The police official admitted that the QCPD did not have enough long firearms for sometime after more than 100 rifles were pulled out by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be redistributed to police posts in the provinces.

“Because of this, we requested the QC City Hall if they could acquire long firearms for the QCPD,” San Diego said.

The QCPD chief said the 200 M-16 rifles were turned over by Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte last Monday to the QCPD.

The rifles cost a total of P15,750,060, while the 400 pieces rifle magazines are worth P800,000.

This set of brand new firearms is part of logistical support from the QC government which initially turned over 120 caliber 40 handguns last April.

“We are very thankful to the Quezon City government for the logistical support extended to QCPD. It will certainly be a big help in our anti-criminality drive,” San Diego added.