|
8ID
chief MGen. Jet Velarmino handed over the 444 new R4 rifles to
LtCol. Hilarion Palma, Commanding Officer of 20IB during the
Entrustment of Firearms at Headquarters 8ID, on February 3,
2016. |
Stormtroopers get
new assault rifles
By DPAO, 8ID PA
February 5, 2016
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Maulong
Catbalogan City – In line with the Philippine Army’s goal of becoming
well-equipped and acquiring a respectable image in Southeast Asia by
2016, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division entrusts a total of
444 newly procured Remington USA R4 A3 Assault Rifles to the troops of
20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion at 8ID Openiano Field here, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, February 3.
Maj. Gen. Jet B Velarmino,
Commander, 8ID spearheaded the ceremonial entrustment of firearms
together with Lt. Col. Antonio C Astilla, Commanding Officer of 8th
Forward Service Support Unit and Lt. Col. Hilarion G Palma, Commanding
Officer of 20IB.
Col. Cesar M Idio, Assistant
Division Commander; Col. Divino Rey C Pabayo Jr., Division Chief of
Staff; and Col. Clifford Cyril Y Riveral, Division Inspector General
were among others who witnessed and took part in the distribution of
R4 rifles to the troops.
The R4 rifle is a
selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic), gas-operated weapon
that fires from a closed bolt. It is hammer-fired and uses a trigger
mechanism with a 3-position fire selector and safety switch.
With the procurement of the
5.56mm R4 rifles, the early models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifles will be
replaced, since majority of which are already in poor condition and in
need of replacement.
The ceremonial entrustment
of firearms symbolizes great responsibility and a reminder of every
soldier’s duty to protect every Filipino, Maj. Gen. Velarmino said.
“The issuance of the new 5.56mm R4 rifles will greatly boost the
morale of troops and enhance their war fighting capability”, Velarmino
added.
