Philippines Army Buys 3000 Pistols From ARMSCOR Global Defence Inc

The Philippines army has purchased 3000 .45 caliber handguns from local firearms manufacturer, ARMSCOR Global Defence Inc. under an emergency procurement program.

The safety of the Manila’s soldiers prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to arm the forces (AFP) with .45 caliber handguns, Chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año was quoted as saying during short ceremonies in Malacanang Palace by a local news portal, update.ph on Tuesday.

“Realizing that most uniformed personnel from the AFP could not afford to buy for themselves hand guns with their meagre salaries, President Duterte pledged to provide pistols to all soldiers within his term. The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the fact that soldiers are always exposed to danger in implementing his orders and in fulfilling their mandate to secure the country from lawless elements,” Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, said.

“During the President’s visit to the Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last April 6, 2017, the defense department was directed to provide caliber .45 pistols to all soldiers to better protect themselves during military operations. Like a good soldier, we immediately requested for an emergency procurement for 3,000 units of caliber .45 pistol. This acquisition is also part of the First Horizon of the revised Modernization Program of the AFP,” he added.

The pistol acquisition project was undertaken by the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) under negotiated procurement mode with ARMSCOR Global Defence, Inc., pursuant to Section 53.2 (Emergency Cases) of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.