links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2015/sep/280915_2.html
Army starts the distribution of its modern rifles
“Priorities for distribution are the troops assigned in Mindanao,” said Col. Pio Diñoso, the Army Logistics officer. “However, due to our logistics distribution schedule, especially the availability of our C-130s, the troops in the Visayas and Cotabato received their rifles in advance.”
The initial distribution of the newly procured 5.56 R4A3 carbine rifles, also known as M4 rifles, is part of the 44,186 total rifles that are now on-hand in the Army arsenal with 19,866 rifles still undergoing ballistic tests by the Philippine National Police.
The new M4 rifles are part of the Army’s modernization program. For this year, the Army expects the delivery of more armored personnel carriers, protective gears for individual soldiers, and radio communication equipment.
“By 2016, the Philippine Army envisions to be a well-equipped and respected Army in Southeast Asia, and a potent force that is ready and capable to address external threats,” said Lt. Gen. Eduardo M Año, the Army’s Commanding General.
There was a delay in the distribution of said rifles last year after the Army asked the contractor who delivered the rifles to improve its sight mechanism. As reported, all sight mechanisms of the Army’s M4 were already replaced by the manufacturer.
It can be recalled that the Philippine Army has procured a total of 56,843 carbine rifles as part of its capability upgrade program. It is still awaiting the delivery of another 12,657 rifles.
The procurement of new firearms is part of the three horizons, revised AFP Modernization Act under RA 10349 signed in December 2012 that aims to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP. #
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