Manila, Feb. 16 -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Monday said he expects all remaining 18 units of the Sabrah light tanks, ordered to beef up the service's armored capabilities, to be delivered within this year.

"We have nine units of Sabrah (light tanks) now (in service) and we are still waiting for 18 units," he said when asked for updates on the project at a press conference at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

"This is a big item, negotiations are still ongoing. And we hope within this year matatapos na yun delivery natin (our Sabrah tank deliveries will be completed)," Nafarrete said.

For security reasons, the PA chief did not give further details on the possible delivery dates of these armored assets....