AFP: Study needed before PHL can decide on new suppliers of weapons, equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): AFP: Study needed before PHL can decide on new suppliers of weapons, equipment

An official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said purchase of 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 Col. Edgard Arevalo said the weapons and equipment for purchase must meet the requirements set.

"I think the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) 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 in Filipino.

He cited the case of radio equipment which he said must be able to communicate from ship-to-ship, planes or in ground units.

Earlier, Arevalo said US supplies of weapons and other defense equipment will continue pending the abrogation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

He made this comment after being asked on whether the alleged US order halting the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippine National Police (PNP) will have repercussions on the Filipino military.

"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 (FMS) which is guarantee under the MDT," Arevalo said in Filipino.

Through FMS, weapons or equipment for acquisition will not need to pass US Congress approval, unlike contracts completed using American suppliers or manufacturers.

Sole approval on FMS lies on the US government, the AFP official said.

Until the 1951 MDT is abrogated, the AFP can source its equipment needs through FMS, he added.

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