PNP completes first phase of P1.2-B gun deal bidding

Manila, Philippines -  The Philippine National Police (PNP) completed yesterday the initial step in the procurement of 59,904 .9mm pistols for P1.198 billion.

PNP bids and awards committee chairman Deputy Director General Emelito Sarmiento said R. Espinelli’s joint venture with the Israel Weapon Industries won the open bidding with the lowest offer of P16,254 for each Jericho 941PL gun.

He said they will still verify the authenticity of the joint venture’s documents and the durability of the product before the deal is considered done. 

Sarmiento said only four companies participated in the open bidding yesterday afternoon at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The second lowest bid came from Trust Trade, which offered to supply .9mm Glock 17-Generation 4 guns at P16,659.76 each.

The Countermeasure-Kolonwel Trading joint venture placed third for its CZ-PO7 Duty gun at P17,777.77 each, followed by Arms Corp. of the Philippines with its Tanfoglio Force 99 at P19.998 each.

Representatives from the Countermeasure joint venture signified they will question in writing R. Espinelli’s translation in the bid documents.

During the June 7 pre-bid conference, at least seven companies expressed their interest in joining the open bidding.

However, the company supplying Beretta pistols has not entered a bid, and neither has Caracal, whose firearms are made in Abu Dhabi.

Roferma said its bid was not opened but it said it will write an appeal to the bids and awards committee.