The Philippine National Police (PNP) needs 2,500 new personnel for its elite Special Action Force (SAF) unit.

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said they will be forming 5 additional Special Action Battalions as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte earlier said he wanted 7 more SAF battalions, aside from getting 20,000 more Army troops.

• Duterte seeks funds to beef up police in fight vs terrorism

"Aside from the 5 battalions na pinapaorganize sa atin ni Presidente they are now, yung recruitment patapos na, nakukumpleto na yung 5 battalions and kagabi naman, sinabihan naman ako niya na 'You form another five battalions', so magdagdag ng 5 battalions na naman," he said.

Dela Rosa on Napolcom resolution creating 5 addtl SAF batallions: Aside from the 5 battalions na pina-organize sa atin ni presidente, kagabi naman, sinabihan naman ako na 'you form another 5 battalions'. Para all out war na ito sa problema natin sa NPA at terrorism. @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/54FwEj16Il

— Maan Macapagal (@maan_macapagal) February 22, 2018

Dela Rosa said the additional SAF troops will enhance the fighting capability of the police force in its all-out war against the New People's Army (NPA) and terrorists.

"Yung mandate naman ng SAF is they are more on counter-terrorism, internal security operations. 'Yan ang pinaka problema natin ngayon, terrorism at problema sa NPA then doon sila focus natin. Para sa all- out war na ito sa problema natin sa NPA at terrorism," he said.