Careful study needed to find new arms suppliers - AFP

From InterAksyon (Nov 2): Careful study needed to find new arms suppliers - AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said acquiring military weapons and equipment from other suppliers aside from the US needs careful study and research.

Before looking for a new supplier, AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the weapons and equipment for purchase must meet the military’s requirements.

"I think the Commander-in-Chief has already mentioned that there are other suppliers who are willing to provide for our needs but this needs a detailed study or research to determine whether they are readily adoptable to local conditions, availability of supply, reliable, efficient and dependable," Arevalo said.

Earlier, when asked if the scrapping of the US sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippine National Police would affect the military, Arevalo said American supplies of weapons and other defense equipment will continue pending the abrogation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The sale was stopped over concerns about human rights violations in the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

"The alleged US decision to halt sales of 26,000 assault rifles to the PNP will not have an effect on the AFP as our weapons and equipment are sourced through Foreign Military Sales, which is guaranteed under the MDT," Arevalo said.

Acquisitions through the FMS do not need approval from the US Congress, unlike contracts with American suppliers or manufacturers.

http://interaksyon.com/article/133936/careful-study-needed-to-find-new-arms-suppliers---afp