More than 200 units of brand new pistols and heavy machine guns were recently acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to equip its personnel with enough firearms as part of its modernization efforts, it was revealed on Monday, May 29.
(Photo courtesy of PCG)
Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG commandant, presided over the acceptance ceremony of 246 units of caliber 9mm pistol and six units of caliber .50 heavy machine gun at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila last Friday, May 26.
The firearms were handed over by the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) to the PCG.
“[These weapons are] not only effective in combat but are necessary for our effort to deter violations of maritime law, address criminality, and enforce our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Abu stated.
"[These will also] boost morale for our troops who are reminded that the PCG leadership and the Philippine government are working to ensure they are properly equipped and protected. All the much-needed equipment provided to our troops will spell the difference between life and death," the PCG chief added.
Abu thanked the PITC led by its President and CEO, Undersecretary Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong, for supporting the Coast Guard modernization.