DND to spend P292 M for high-explosive ammo

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) will spend close to P292 million to buy 9,728 rounds of high-explosive ammunition for its 105-millimeter howitzer cannons.

A bid bulletin posted on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System showed that the project has an approved budget of P291.84 million.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the ammunition will be used in security operations.

"Our operational requirement in Mindanao require this firepower equipment," Hao said.

"We use artillery to soften the ground. We use also the artillery to destroy targets. We use artillery to illuminate the target areas. We use artillery to mark our enemy and target areas," he added.

The bidding for the project will be held on January 28.

It is open to all companies local or foreign, subject to the eligibility conditions provided in the procurement law.

To be qualified, bidders should have completed a contract equivalent to at least fifty percent of the approved budget within the last ten years from the date of receipt and opening of bids.

Bidders who completed at least two similar contracts with an aggregate amount of at least fifty percent of the approved budget will also be entertained.

The deadline for the submission of bids will be on January 28. The bids will be opened on the same day.

Late bids and those that are costlier than the approved budget will not be accepted.