Solon wants equipment check after bullets pierce Kevlar helmets in all-out offensive

A former soldier and party-list representative said the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Kevlar equipment have five-year expiration dates that may deem the combat items ineffective amid their all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

 

In a report from GMA's “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Magdalo Party-List Rep. Gary Alejano said that Kevlar equipment especially helmets should be regularly checked to ensure the soldier's safety.

 

“We have to look at or reinvestigate 'yung expiry date ng mga gamit na ito dahil 'yung Kevlar material mayroong expiry date yan. So we have to really know the lifespan of that material kasi it will endanger the troops if indeed na expire na and hindi natin pinapalitan,” Alejano said.

 

Alejano also said that Kevlar helmets are not totally bullet-proof depending on the power of the firearms used and the range of the gunshot.

 

Still, he said these were extremely helpful in saving lives of soldiers during battle.

 

“Kasi maraming tropa ang namamatay ng daplis lang sa ulo. Naubusan ng dugo, napaparalyze so malaking tulong ang helmet,” he said.

 

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said it was difficult to balance a Kevlar helmet's efficiency and weight.

 

“It's a ballistic helmet. Ang ballistic [is good protection] from blast shrapnel and low velocity na mga projectile. Kasi pag gagawin nating talagang makapal na makapal yan [ay masyadong] mabigat hindi ka pa tinamaan casualty ka na kasi masisira leeg mo,” Detoyato said. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News