The Toyota Hilux is a venerable name in the pickup truck scene, known for its bulletproof, near-indestructible reliability. It’s used around the world as a dependable workhorse—including in the Philippines, where you’ll spot it doing everything from commercial deliveries to serving in police fleets.
Now, we might just see some enhanced renditions roaming the streets of Manila. According to the Manila Public Information Office, during a recent flag ceremony, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso unveiled a fleet of Toyota Hilux J pickup trucks courtesy of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). The cherry on top? These trucks are kitted out by Overland Kings, with owner Joel Pedro personally overseeing the project.
Enhancements to the truck include the likes of an AA bedrack, enhanced protection in the form of full ARB front, rear, and side-step bumpers, lighting in the form of 9-inch Adventure Kings driving lights and PIAA POD side lights, an OME Nitro Charge 40mm suspension lift with TSTEP rear access for ease of use, an Overland Kings custom rear seat bench, Concept One 17-inch wheels, and Black Bear all-terrain tires, and last but not least, police sirens and Overland Kings’ own custom police setup, totaling around P900,000 according to Joel Pedro.
Tying all of this together is the distinct black and white police livery, “Police” in bold lettering on the hood, tailgate, and doors, with “Manila’s finest” brandished on the sides, along with the FFCCCII logo on the hood and sides, as well as Overland Kings adorning the rear part of the sides and also to the left of the tailgate under the Toyota badge.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso was thankful to both the FFCCCII president Victor Lim and the federation for its generous donation, saying that the trucks will be used responsibly and given the best of care and maintenance.
“Pumanatag kayo, kami ni Vice Mayor Chi Atienza at sampu ng mga konsehal n’yo sa lungsod, pipilitin namin maglingap, maging episyente at masinop sa mga kakayanan ng ating lungsod pagdating sa gastusin. Maraming maraming salamat!” Moreno states.
These units are set to be deployed within Manila’s police force, specifically within the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) unit, and in emergency response operations.
And when the time comes that you see these modded pickups roaming the streets, you know something serious is happening, and that Manila’s Finest are prepared for anything, any day of the week.
