PA chief wants infantry units to have own long-range sniper capability

“The sniper rifle is a capability that we are now introducing into our infantry (units). Prior that sniper capability was only possessed by units attached to the Special Operation Command,” Miranda said in Filipino. (Photo: Official Gazette)

MANILA–In line with ongoing efforts to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless elements, Philippine Army (PA) head Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda said he is planning to provide infantry units with their own long-range sniper capability.

This will allow ordinary PA units to engage and hit targets, surgically, at much longer range without the risk of civilian collateral damage.

“The sniper rifle is a capability that we are now introducing into our infantry (units). Prior that sniper capability was only possessed by units attached to the Special Operation Command,” Miranda said in Filipino.

He added the long-range sniper rifles, intended for the infantry units, are already in the pipeline.

An initial 60 units are expected to be delivered to the PA soon.

The said weapons are capable of engaging targets 800 meters upwards to five kilometers.