Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Drawing from his experience as the country’s COVID-19 vaccine czar, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday vowed to address the wastage of ammunition in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“During one of our briefings to me during the formal turnover, it has come to my attention that there is a high level of wastage of ammunition in different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We should avoid this problem from happening,” Galvez said in his first flag-raising ceremony as Department of National Defense chief.
“I speak from experience as a vaccine czar during the previous administration. During our vaccine rollout, the government was able to maintain an acceptable degree of wastage, and we always protect the vaccine as gold,” he continued.
However, Galvez could not yet provide data on the extent of the ammunition wastage.
To avoid further wastage, the former AFP chief said they intend to use the unused ammunition for training purposes.
Shelf life
Galvez also pointed out that, just like vaccines, ammunition has a “shelf life.”
According to the US-based National Rifle Association, all modern ammunition could last for more than ten years, given that it has been stored “reasonably well.”
“We are looking forward to how we could recycle it or put it into good use, if we could extend their shelf life just like the vaccine,” he said, partly in Filipino.
To avoid further wastage, the former AFP chief said they intend to use the unused ammunition for training purposes.
Less ammo consumption
The official, who concurrently serves as the secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, attributed the increase of unutilized ammunition due to the gains of the peace process in Mindanao and other areas, as well as the “non-lethal” strategy such as civil-military operations nationwide.
“Because of the peace process, we were able to sustain that there were no major incidents happening in Mindanao and other areas. Really, we are winning the war [against the] communist insurgency and the peace-inclined organizations are really now going with us and joining us,” he also pointed out.