AFP to cooperate in probe of non-delivery of military supplies

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday vowed to cooperate with the Senate probe on the undelivered military supplies and maintained that it complied with all the requirements of the procurement law.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año has ordered concerned offices to open their books and to provide the data needed by the Senate panel that will conduct the inquiry.

“In the interest of transparency, the Army is willing to cooperate with other government agencies in the conduct of an investigation,” Hao said in a statement.

“The Philippine Army welcomes any investigation on the Commission on Audit (COA) findings regarding the undelivered ammunition and combat clothing and individual equipment,” he added.

On Monday, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked the Army to explain why the bulk of the training ammunition and equipment it was supposed to acquire last year had not been delivered as reported by the COA.

The senator also filed a resolution calling for a Senate probe on the non-delivery of the military supplies.

Santiago said a recent COA report showed that only P42.4 million worth of ammunitions were delivered in 2014 even if the Army released P569.6-million to the Government Arsenal.

The same report showed that of the P231.9 million worth of combat clothing and equipment the Army requested through the Budget department’s Procurement Service from 2004 to 2011, P786,000 remained undelivered last year.

Hao said based on latest records, the less than one percent undelivered combat clothing and individual equipment would soon be turned over to the 9th Infantry Division in Camarines Sur.

Hao noted that the Army is required by government procedures to buy small arms ammunition from the Government Arsenal.

“After complying with the procurement process, the Philippine Army is now awaiting the delivery of the ammunition,” the Army spokesman said.

“The Philippine Army follows the procedures in the procurement of supplies and equipment based on Republic Act No. 9184,” he added.

Hao maintained that the Army is “doing its best to provide the best for its troops.”

“The Philippine Army appreciates the care and concern of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for our troops,” he added.