US transfers 114 armored personnel carriers to AFP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The US government turned over 114 units M113A2 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the Excess Defense Article (EDA) program.

In a statement, the US embassy in Manila said 77 of the total units of APC arrived at Subic Bay on Wednesday.

The embassy said the APCs were the first shipment of the 114 armored personnel carriers to arrive in the country and the 37 others are to be delivered on Dec. 14.

“The EDA Program grants excess US military equipment from the US, without cost, to qualified allied countries,” the US embassy said.

It stated the transfer was a result of a formal request made by the AFP to assist in their defense modernization efforts.

AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said once fully operational, the APCs will be initially refitted with the needed armaments and communication equipment.

He said the APCs will be placed under the operational control of the Philippine Army (PA).

“For one, the Army will now be able to complete its requirement in the mechanized division… battle steeled movement will be expedited (and) accuracy in operation when it’s mobilized will be fast tracked,” Padilla said.

Padilla said the APCs would also help ensure the “survivability of troops in the field, especially in buildup areas.”

The M113 was developed to provide a survivable and reliable light tracked vehicle that allows troops to be brought forward under armor for dismounted operations.

A number of the APCs are scheduled to participate in the annual AFP Day parade on Dec. 21 in Camp Aguinaldo.

The US-made APCs, all of which were being transported at the cost of at least P67.5 million that was shouldered by Philippine government, will add to the Army’s inventory of armored vehicles following the arrival of 28 refurbished APCs from Israel earlier this year. – With Jaime Laude, Pia Lee-Brago