AFP buying night vision monoculars

MANILA, Philippines – The capacity of government troops to conduct combat operations at night will be fully operational with the impending purchase of night vision monoculars, the military said yesterday.

The monoculars will be used with the infrared and laser-zeroing devices, which have already been purchased at a total cost of P55,376,700 and were delivered in September last year.

“To upgrade this capability, we are creating an integrated night fighting system which comprises several components; the only component lacking for the system to operationalize is the night vision monocular,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Armed Forces public affairs chief said.

Torres said the process for the purchase of night vision monoculars is ongoing as the military and defense establishments are strictly following legal procurement procedures.– James Mananghaya

“Once delivered, the AFP will have a better and more responsive night fighting system,” he said.

Torres, however, said night vision goggles have already been issued to troops on the frontlines.

The Commission on Audit said the military’s night vision gear of infrared and laser-zeroing device is useless without the monocular.

The infrared laser equipment without night vision monocular defeats the purpose of enabling soldiers to engage the enemy in combat at night, according state auditors.

The COA reported that the night vision monocular and the infrared aiming light devices “cannot be utilized without the other.”

Though both were approved under a budget worth P592, 974,705.88, only the infrared aiming light devices underwent a completed bidding process. – James Mananghaya