Army to spend P215 M for combat equipment

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is spending P215.6 million to acquire new equipment for its soldiers and personnel, including 73,130 pairs of combat boots worth P115.5 million, an official said yesterday.

Maj. Gen. Joselito Reyes, who chairs the Army bids and awards committee, said they started the procurement process through an invitation to bid to prospective suppliers.

Included in the shopping list are 17,763 pairs of rubber shoes worth P35.5 million; 90,634 round-neck shirts amounting to P15.8 million; 17,706 Army uniforms for P9.7 million; 3,576 pieces of combat chest rig for P5.7 million, and 8,032 hydration packs for P12.8 million.

Reyes said the Army would also purchase 9,487 camouflage uniforms amounting to P11.3 million; 49,051 white socks for P4.4 million, and 25,632 belts worth P4.6 million.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the supplies are important in the performance of the soldiers’ duties.

The Army, the biggest unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has around 85,000 soldiers in various parts of the country.