The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has turned
over 400 new assault rifles to a battalion in Northern
Samar on Wednesday, representing the first batch of firearms
delivery for the region.
Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, 8ID commanding general said that
soldiers in all of the eight battalions in the region will get new R4A3 assault
rifles, replacing the old models, “which are already in poor condition and need
major repair.”
The upgrading of the military’s firepower capability is part
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
The first set of assault rifle delivery was intended for
soldiers of 20th Infantry Battalion based in Palapag, Northern
Samar . The troops just completed the Battalion of Excellence
Training, a requirement before the distribution of new rifles.
The military will complete the replacement of old firearms
within the year.
“They have to undergo training first on proper handling,
familiarize different parts and learn how to maintain the firearms,” Velarmino
said.
Each rifle and its accessories costs PHP38,000 procured by
the AFP from US-based Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. under the joint
Philippine Army-Philippine Marine Corps Assault Acquisition Project, according
to the army official.
“This will increase the equipment readiness rating of the
Philippine Army. This will also increase the level of confidence and morale of
our soldiers especially those who are engaged in tactical operations,”
Velarmino added.
Old rifles will be given to members of the Citizen Armed Force
Geographical Unit and army reservists.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=853532
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