The United States of America delivers P183 million worth of weapons and equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that would help the Philippine military’s counterterrorism and maritime security campaigns.
The delivery, funded by both Philippine funds and US grant assistance, contains 9 M3P .50-caliber heavy machine guns, Ten mortar tubes and other battle equipment. The weapons are expected to enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities, according to the US army.
“The United States will continue to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capacity-building efforts through joint training and key military equipment transfers,” JUSMAG chief Colonel Stephen Ma said in a statement.
“Our mutual security collaboration remains a cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added. The items were funded through the national government and US grant assistance.
Since 2015, The United States has provided over P48..6 billion security assistance to the country. making the Philippines the largest receiver pf US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region
“This year, the United States and the Philippines are commemorating 70 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, and this delivery continues the United States’ longstanding commitment to our Filipino allies,” the embassy said.
Additional Reports: Inquirer.net, Rappler
Image Source: US embassy
