P1.6-B deal for 3 helicopters, 60 ambulances signed

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) has signed contracts for the purchase of three naval helicopters and 60 field ambulances worth P1.6 billion.

The three AW 109 Power Helicopters cost P1.34 billion while the 60 units of 1.25-ton field ambulance amounted to P300.78 million.

The two contracts were signed last Dec. 20 by security officials and representatives of the suppliers.

The naval helicopters were acquired from Anglo-Italian firm AugustaWestland S.P.A. through negotiated procurement under emergency case.

Such mode of procurement is provided under Section 53.2 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Procurement Law.

“We are now louder and clearer in our intent to upgrade the capability of our Armed Forces to address its constitutional duty to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a statement.

“The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” he added.   

AP