US delivers P183-M worth of weapons, equipment to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2021): US delivers P183-M worth of weapons, equipment to PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

NEW MILITARY EQUIPMENT. US Air Force personnel unload weapons and equipment off a KC-10 Extender at Clark Air Base. The latest shipment worth PHP183 million includes nine M3P .50-caliber heavy machine guns and 10 mortar tubes. (Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila)

The United States has delivered PHP183 million (USD3.8 million) worth of weapons and equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the US Embassy in Manila reported Tuesday.

The delivery, funded by both Philippine national funds and US grant assistance, included nine M3P .50-caliber heavy machine guns, 10 mortar tubes, and other equipment.

The embassy said this is intended to enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities.

“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," Joint United States Military Assistance Group-Philippines Chief and Senior Defense Official to Manila Col. Stephen Ma said.

The shipment was delivered on June 21 at Clark Air Base. To date, the Philippines remains the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific.

Since 2015, Washington has provided more than PHP48.6 billion (USD1 billion) in security assistance to the country.

"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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144520