Tuesday, December 1, 2015

US providing maritime security training to PHL forces

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1): US providing maritime security training to PHL forces

American units are providing maritime security training to their Filipino counterparts.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri Tuesday when queried about the presence of an American Lockheed C-130 cargo plane and a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga Saturday.

The sighting was made possible as media practitioners were on hand to witness the arrival of the country's first two FA-50PHs light-interim fighter aircraft.

"The two American aircraft are) part of the maritime security bilateral training between our forces and the US. It's part of the activities approved by the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board)for 2015," he added.

Iriberri declined to comment on whether the maritime security training has anything to do with the country's ongoing dispute with China regarding some features of the West Philippine Sea.

But the AFP chief added that the ongoing training is similar to the recently concluded "Balikatan" and PHIBLEX training exercises.

"Maritime security training is meant to upgrade ourcapabilities and expose our forces to new equipment.Its not directed against any country or any activity, it is just for the purpose of upgrading and the capability also of the Armed Forces," Iriberri concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=833319

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