Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
14 August 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his enthusiasm from the savings earned from the Joint Philippine Army-Philippine Marine Corps Assault Rifle Acquisition Project amounting to P1.2 billion pesos during its ceremonial distribution in Camp Aguinaldo.

According to the President, the success in the bidding process has not only resulted for the Armed Forces to acquire high grade rifles but has generated additional funds to purchase more rifles. This, he said, stands as a substantial proof of good governance and reform under his administration’s “Tuwid na Daan”.

“Wala pong bogus dito, walang kuro-kuro, at walang imbento. Lahat, kongkretong pagbabago. Nagmula ito sa malikhain at masinop na pangangasiwa ng pamahalaan sa kaban ng bayan,” he added.

The President also called on the members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the armaments obtained in order for the government to progress with its reform under the AFP Capability Upgrade Program.

With an initial approved budget amounting to P3.19 billion, the project was able to acquire 50,629 units of M4 assault rifles for P1.9 billion, 40% less of the original expected cost, which will be divided with the Army receiving 44,186 and the Navy 6,443. Each unit costs P38,402.

The newly acquired assault rifles will supplement and replace the early models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifle which will significantly contribute to the development of AFP into a multi-mission-oriented force; capable of effectively addressing both internal and external threats.

The bidding for the assault rifle was successfully accomplished in October 2013 with the Remington Outdoor Company, based in U.S.A., as the winner of the public bidding. The P1.2 billion savings will be allotted to purchase additional rifles.

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