THE United States has delivered $3.8 million (around P183 million) worth of military equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as part of Washington’s efforts to enhance Manila’s counter-terrorism and maritime security capabilities.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the equipment, funded by both Philippine funds and US grants assistance, included nine M3P 50 caliber heavy machine guns, 10 mortar tubes, tactical helmet and other equipment delivered last June 21.
The shipment arrived at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on board a US Air Force KC10 Extender cargo aircraft.
“The United States will continue to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capacity building efforts through joint training and key military equipment transfers. Our mutual security collaboration remains a cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the embassy said, quoting JUSMAG Philippines Chief and Senior Defense Official to the Philippines Col. Stephen Ma.
“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.
The Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Since 2015, Washington has provided $1 billion or P48.6 billion in security assistance to Manila.
In November last year, the US also gave the AFP $18 million worth of precision guided weapons.
Included in the package were BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile launchers and 100 anti-tank and bunker-busting missiles, 24 MK82 bomb guidance kits, one MK 82 crate and packaging and 12 improved target acquisition and support equipment.
The Philippine Air Force has received one of two refurbished C-130 cargo aircraft from the US while the Philippine Navy also received reconnaissance drones.
