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
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
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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