Cops to use sub-machine guns in APEC meet

MANILA, Philippines – Policemen who will be deployed during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in 2015 will use the 568 sub-machine guns the Philippine National Police (PNP) intends to buy for P133.798 million.

Director Juanito Vaño, chief of the PNP Directorate for Logistics, yesterday said the actual recipients of the sub-machine guns are the elite members of the Special Action Force (SAF), Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) and the regional and provincial public safety battalions.

Vaño, however, said the sub-machine guns will be assigned first to the members of the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) to be tapped to secure foreign and local delegates taking part in the APEC.

In a phone interview, Vano said elite policemen will use the high-powered firearms in close quarter battle.

The APEC Summit, which will be held in the country in November next year, will be attended by leaders from the 21 member nations, including the US, Japan and China.

Vaño said the PNP is inviting bidders for the supply of the sub-machine guns.

As stated in the invitation, Vaño said the delivery of the machine guns can be done in two tranches.

“The pre-bid conference is on Nov.7 at the main conference hall of the PNP national headquarters. Bids must be delivered on or before Nov. 21,” said Vano.

He said funds for the procurement will come from the PNP General Appropriations Act of 2014.

Vano said the bidding for the sub-machine guns will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary pass or fail criterion as provided by  Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, local or foreign, subject to conditions for eligibility. Interested parties may inquire with the PNP and inspect the bidding documents during office hours.

They may also download the documents from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System and the PNP website. Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the documents.