Troops in Zambo had enough gears, equipment - Army

MANILA, Philippines -  The Army on Thursday  belied  claims that soldiers who took part in the operations in Zamboanga City lacked combat clothing and equipment.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said soldiers are entitled to receive clothing allowance upon reenlistment to the service.

Cabangbang said the reenlistment clothing allowance (RCA) is provided for under a letter directive issued by the Army leadership in 2011.

The letter states that all Army soldiers are entitled to receive the allowance to be given “in-kind and in-cash” upon reenlistment.

“Each reenlisted personnel is entitled to such benefits every three years, which is also the period to which soldiers must renew their oath to serve the country,” Cabangbang said.

The Army was responding to reports that some soldiers involved in the recent operations against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels were seen with damaged combat boots.

The reports triggered public concerns about the plight of soldiers deployed in the field to address security threats.

Cabangbang said soldiers are given P8,281.85 worth of RCA in cash and P4, 084.00 in kind. The RCA “in-kind” were translated to two sets of battle dress attire that costs P2, 704 and a pair of combat boots worth P1, 380.

Every soldier is required to use the RCA ‘in-cash’ to buy more sets of battle dress attire in case those provided in-kind had already been worn out.

Cabangbang said guidelines were also issued in 2009 to enable soldiers to exchange worn-out uniforms and bushed equipment with new ones.

However, some soldiers do not use new boots and dress when in the battle field.

“They will still choose to wear their oldest, if not worn-out, pairs because wearing new ones in the battlefield can bring unease since they would still have to mind if their uniforms are well ironed or in the best condition,” Cabangbang said.

Cabangbang said measures are underway to promote the welfare of soldiers who risk their lives in conflict areas.