AFP anti-terror unit to get P53.5-M vests

MANILA, Philippines -  (AFP), the military’s lead anti-terrorism unit, will soon be equipped with specialized vests that will further protect them during operations against lawless elements.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced yesterday the upcoming delivery of 1,190 sets of force protection equipment worth P53.5 million to boost the operational capability of the anti-terrorism squad.

The specialized vests are expected to be delivered by the second quarter of this year from Israel by MAROM Dolphin Ltd., the company that supplies force protection equipment to the Israel Defense Force.

Lorenzana said the government-to-government procurement was pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation and the Implementing Arrangement for Procurement of Defense Materials between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Israel Ministry of Defense.

JSOG is at the forefront of the intensified counter-terrorism campaign and is composed of specialized units from the various major services of the AFP, including the Philippine Army’s Light Reaction Regiment, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Group and a Special Operations Wing from the Philippine Air Force. 

The initial delivery is part of various equipment acquisitions that the DND is pursuing in order to upgrade the capability of the AFP in combating terrorist groups and terrorist cells. 

“We have prioritized the procurement of these specialized vests for our defenders to enhance their survivability in encounters and battles against terrorists and lawless elements. Wherever they may hide, our troops will hunt them down,” Lorenzana said. 

The AFP Modernization Program is part of the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028, DND’s blueprint to attain more credible defense posture for security and stability, national peace and economic development.