US delivers P48.5-M in weapons, munitions to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2021): US delivers P48.5-M in weapons, munitions to PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)  July 8, 2021, 2:44 pm

FIREPOWER. The Joint United States Military Assistance Group-Philippines delivers PHP48.5 million worth of weapons and munitions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Clark Air Base. The weapons were funded by US grant assistance. (Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has received PHP48.5 million worth of weapons and munitions from the United States government, the US Embassy in Manila said Thursday.

The weapons were funded by US grant assistance and are intended to enhance the AFP's counterterrorism capabilities and readiness.

The shipment was delivered last July 4 at Clark Air Base by the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines (JUSMAG-P), which included 14 M2A1 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, seven M240B machine guns, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

“As the United States and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations today, we welcome this key equipment transfer, which will support the continued readiness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said JUSMAG-P chief and senior defense official to the Philippines Col. Stephen Ma.

The Philippines remains America's largest recipient of military assistance in the Indo-Pacific. Since 2015, the US has provided more than PHP48.6 billion (USD1 billion) in security assistance to the Philippines.

"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/1146384