The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Mechanized Infantry Division on Monday showed off its six new M-113A2  armored personnel carriers (APCs)  with .50 caliber remote-controlled weapons system at a demonstration in Capas, Tarlac.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin attended the demonstration, which saw the APCs firing off several rounds via remote control weapon system.

He denied that the new APCs are connected with the ongoing tensions with China over a territorial row in the West Philippine Sea.

“No, no, this is part of our modernization program, solely for modernization program,” he said.

The new armored vehicles have thermal imaging, laser range tracking capability and quick targeting of moving targets.

“Yung gunner hindi na kailangang lumabas pa sa vehicle, kung hindi nasa loob, parang naglalaro na lang, and we could see the enemy in a longer range,” said Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, commander of the AFP Mechanized Infantry Division.

The AFP also procured new machine guns and telecommunication devices.