Government buys ammunition machine

The government has bought P336 million worth of equipment used to make small arms ammunition for soldiers and policemen, according to the Department of National Defense (DND).

The Philippine Government Arsenal, which manufactures basic weapons for Filipino soldiers and policemen, signed a contract with Canadian contractor Waterbury Farell, a division of Magnum Integrated Technologies Inc., to acquire a multi-station bullet assembly machine, case manufacture and cartridge assembly equipment, the DND said Thursday.

Defense officials said the equipment would enhance the Arsenal’s capability to make small arms ammunitions. The deal was consummated in line with the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In a simple ceremony on November 16, Arsenal director Jonathan Martir and Waterbury Farrel president Andre Nazarian signed the purchase agreement worth  P335,851,896.

The equipment were expected to be delivered within 18 months after the opening of a letter of credit, officials said in a statement.

“Our acquisition of these equipment shall certainly enhance the capability of our Government Arsenal to manufacture high-quality, safe, and reliable ammunition for our Armed Forces and other government law enforcement agencies,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

The acquisition project went through the mandatory procurement processes under Republic Act 9184 and under the auspices of the DND bids and awards committee, he said.

“It also pleases all of us to know that our execution of these contracts is in strict compliance with our government’s legal and auditing procedures and requirements, and done under utmost transparency,” he said.

The purchase, Gazmin added, was a step toward the “modest but tangible goal of upgrading the capacity and serviceability” of the Arsenal’s equipment as well as the improvement of the agency’s operational capability.