Philippine Army Has the First Batch of New US-Made Rifles

Photo credit: Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato

MANILA, Philippines – Speculations trigger about the military vehicles seen in Manila last week were actually carrying the Philippine new rifles to Camp Aguinaldo. It is said that the all new rifles will be dispersed to field units for security measure.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said the newly acquired firearms arrived at the Manila South Harbor Thursday. This delivery contains 27,200 units of M4 Caliber 5.56mm rifles, which is just the first batch of the firearms ordered from the American firm Remington Arms Co.

Detoyato said that seen the armored vehicles at the South Harbor were convoys accompanying those critical war items. He added that the rifles were placed in 59 crates that were inside the safety 19 containers. He also noted that the military will be inspired to work knowing these items are all brand new.

Detoyato said preceding the delivery of firearms at the South Harbor, there are  100 rifles have already arrived. The ceremonial turnover of the 100 newly acquired firearms was supposed to lead by the President Aquino himself but the the event wasn’t push through. The DND actually intended to purchase 50,629 units of new rifles from Remington.

The government, however, kept P1.2-billion for the firearm procurement, letting it to increase the number of rifles to be acquired up to more than 63,000. There are P2.4-billion fund that is allocated for the rifles, in replace to  the Army’s old M16s.  Officials expect the rest of the rifles to be delivered by December this year. They will also inspect the items and the documents before the firearms will be delivered to the Army units.