US grants Army $8.95 million worth of protective equipment

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army has received a grant of $8.9-million worth of protective equipment from the United States.

Army spokesman Maj. Ronald Alcudia said the US grant – under the US Excess Defense Articles – covers 50,500 Kevlar helmets and 1,355 body armor vests.

He said the helmets cost $7.52 million while the armor vests are worth $1.43 million.

“The physical risks come not only from enemy firearms, but have increased in recent years with the terrorists’ use of improvised explosive devices,” Alcudia said in a statement.

“In its effort to further equip and ensure the safety of its men, the Philippine Army continues to acquire force protection equipment for combat units,” he added.

Excess defense articles pertain to materiel and equipment no longer needed by US forces.

Alcudia said US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu led the turnover of 25,140 Kevlar helmets last June 10.

He said the remaining 25,360 helmets are expected to arrive in the third or fourth quarter of the year.

The body armor vests are being readied for distribution to the different Army units nationwide.

“Army soldiers will soon be wearing in combat the newly acquired protective equipment to increase their survivability in encounters with terrorists and other lawless elements,” Alcudia said.

The Army spokesman said the new equipment would uplift the morale of troops and improve performance.

“Increased safety and reduced risks lead to enhanced confidence and morale for fighting soldiers and improvements in the offensive capability and performance. These acquisitions boost the tactical edge of the Philippine Army,” Alcudia said.

VFA review up to RP

Thomas, meanwhile, said it is the Philippine government which should initiate a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“That is not for us to decide. That is for the Philippine government to decide,” Thomas said on Tuesday evening at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Diplomatic Night at the Hotel Intercontinental.

“If the Philippine government would like to enter into discussion on any issue whether it is Peace Corps, USAID, VFA, we would be happy to discuss the issue with them,” he said.

“At the same time we expect the Philippine government to live up to treaty obligations as we live up to treaty obligations in all nations too,” Thomas said.

He emphasized the significance of military exercises between Philippine and US troops.

“I believe this is something we are very proud of, to be able to train with Filipino military. It’s open – what we do and this is as a guest of the Filipino people and trying to bring this assistance,” Thomas added. – With Pia Lee-Brago