Army denies inadequate uniforms, equipment for soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - The Army denied yesterday claims that soldiers fought in Zamboanga City without adequate fatigues and combat equipment.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said soldiers are given clothing allowance upon re-enlistment.

The re-enlistment clothing allowance is provided under a letter directive issued in 2011, he added.

Cabangbang said the letter states that all soldiers are entitled to receive the allowance given “in kind and in cash” upon re-enlistment.

“Each re-enlisted personnel is entitled to such benefits every three years, which is also the period in which soldiers must renew their oath to serve the country,” he said.

Cabangbang said soldiers are given P8,281.85 worth of re-enlistment clothing allowance in cash and P4,084.00 in kind.

The “in kind” allowance includes two sets of fatigues costing P2,704 and a pair of combat boots worth P1,380, he added.

Every soldier is required to use the cash allowance to buy more sets of fatigues in case those given in-kind are worn out.

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