An unboxed M4 rifle, newly delivered to the Armed Forces, is seen in this AFP handout photo of Aug. 10, 2014.
With savings of at least P1.2 billion from a P3.3-B program to procure M4 rifles, , the military top brass said Sunday the savings could be used to purchase more units of modern rifles.
The funds were derived from the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP) 2012.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang explained how the extra funds could boost capability of the field troops: “The approved budget for the contract was about P3.3 billion, thus generating a total savings for the government estimated at P1.2 billion. This savings will be used for the procurement of additional rifles, thereby increasing the readiness rating of the Army and the Marines and at the same time, increasing the level of confidence, morale and pride of every soldier especially those serving in the field.”
The AFP earlier purchased 50,629 brand-new M4 rifles from the US-based manufacturer-contractor Remington Outdoor Company , which won the P1.9-billion public bidding in October 2013.
President Aquino will preside at the ceremonial distribution of the M4's on Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo.
At least 27,300 of the rifles had been delivered as of July 31, and will be distributed to the Army which will receive 44,186 rifles, and the Marines, 6,443 rifles.
Earlier, the operations to ferry the rifle’s craters - on board military trucks and escorted by Armored Personnel Carriers from the Manila South Harbor to Fort Bonifacio - caused a stir, fanning talk of a coup d’ etat.
The first batch, 100 rifles, was delivered on July 5, and the second batch of 27,200 on July 31.
“The delivery of these newly acquired firearms is part of the Joint Philippine Army – Philippine Marine Corps Assault Rifle Acquisition Project by the government. Under this project,” Catapang said.
The 5.56mm M4 rifle was given priority, Catapang explained, to supplement and replace the early models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifles, majority of which date back to the Vietnam War era and are already in poor condition, requiring urgent repairs or replacement.
“The AFP’s procurement of these brand new assault rifles is part of the thrust to modernize our armed forces, and start it with the individual foot soldier in the field," Catapang said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93016/military-savings-of-p1-2b-may-buy-additional-modern-rifles-23700-m4s-given-out-soon
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