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.
