Department of Defense Arsenal
Agency of the Philippine government under the Department of National Defense, responsible for the production of basic weaponry and ammunition for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among others.
The Government Arsenal is located on a 370-hectare defense industrial estate in Lamao, Limay, Province of Bataan, about 120 km from Manila by land, 70 km from Subic and 90 km from Clark. Just three km from the Port of Limay, the Arsenal is strategically situated near the Petron Bataan Refinery, the Bataan Combined Cycle Power Plant, the National Power Corporation Plant, the Petro-Chemical Complex, and the Special Economic Zone at Mariveles, Bataan. To sustain its operations, the GA presently maintains and operates 124 buildings and structures sprawled over 70 hectares of land.
GOVERNMENT ARSENAL MODERNIZATION ACT
In July 1, 2010, Congressman Albert Garcia sponsored the House Bill 0076[3], also known as the “Government Arsenal Modernization Act”. Congressmen Mel Sarmiento, Francis Ortega, and Leopoldo Bataoil are listed as co-sponsors. The bill sought to implement the following four-phase, 6.3 billion peso, modernization program:
Phase I – Enhancement of the Arsenal’s Capacity in Production of Small Arms Ammunition Projected budget: One Billion Three Hundred Forty Million Pesos (P1.340B)
Bill description of this phase:
The Arsenal shall acquire various equipment necessary to enhance ts capability and increase its annual capacity in the production of Small Arms (ammunition) to a level where t can fully support the Small Arms Ammunition requirements of the AFP, PNP, and other government law enforcement agencies in accordance with its modernization objectives. Phase I shall be aimed at increasing its annual Small Arms Ammunition production to meet the overall Small Arms Ammunition requirements of all defense and law enforcement agencies.
Phase II – Development of the Arsenal’s Capability in Weapons Manufacture Projected budget: Two Billion Pesos (P2.0B) for a period of four years
Bill description of this phase:
The Arsenal shall acquire necessary equipment and technologies to develop its capabilities in the field of weapons manufacture to a level where it can truly perform its lawful mandate. The Arsenal shall likewise continuously conduct research and development activities in accordance with the spirit of Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program of the government in order to gain insights and finally develop technical capability in the manufacture of weapons that are vital to support the mission of the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies.
Phase II – Development of the Arsenal’s Capability in Weapons Manufacture Projected budget: Two Billion Pesos (P2.0B) for a period of four years
Bill description of this phase:
The Arsenal shall acquire necessary equipment and technologies to develop its capabilities in the field of weapons manufacture to a level where it can truly perform its lawful mandate. The Arsenal shall likewise continuously conduct research and development activities in accordance with the spirit of Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program of the government in order to gain insights and finally develop technical capability in the manufacture of weapons that are vital to support the mission of the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies.
Phase IV – Development of Arsenal’s Capability to Manufacture Medium and Large Caliber Ammunition Projected budget: Four Hundred Ninety-two Million Pesos (P492M) for a period of five years
Bill description of this phase:
The Arsenal shall require suitable equipment and the attendant technology and establish facilities to develop its capability in the manufacturer of medium and large caliber ammunition.
This bill has been pending with the House Committee on National Defense since July 27, 2010.
NEWS
