Sunday, February 7, 2016

Modern R-4 rifles now trickling down the line

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Modern R-4 rifles now trickling down the line

The military's modernization efforts has now started coming down the line with the distribution of 444 units of Remington R-4A3 assault rifles to troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion in Catbalogan City, Samar last week.

In a statement Monday, Capt. Ian Andres Fabellon, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the distribution of the new rifles is in line with the Philippine Army’s goal of becoming well-equipped and acquiring a respectable image in Southeast Asia by 2016.

Distribution of the weapons took place at the 8th Infantry Division's Openiano Field, in Maulong, Catbalogan City on February 3.

Major Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, 8th Infantry Division commander, spearheaded the ceremonial entrustment of the rifles to 20th Infantry Battalion troopers.

The R-4 rifle is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic), gas-operated weapon that fires from a closed bolt.

It is hammer-fired and uses a trigger mechanism with a three-position fire selector and safety switch.

With the procurement of the 5.56mm R-4 rifles, the early models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifles will be replaced, since majority of which are already in poor condition and in need of replacement.

The ceremonial entrustment of firearms symbolizes great responsibility and a reminder of every soldier’s duty to protect every Filipino.

“The issuance of the new 5.56mm R4 rifles will greatly boost the morale of troops and enhance their war-fighting capability,” Velarmino added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has ordered 56,843 units of the brand-new R-4 rifles.

The contract is worth PHP1.9 billion.

Of this number, 24,300 are now distributed to military units with 19,866 undergoing ballistics tests at the Philippine National Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=854868

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