DND chief confirms acquisition of rockets, other munition from US

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 4): DND chief confirms acquisition of rockets, other munition from US

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that a Philippine Air Force C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane flew to the US to acquire rockets and munitions needed to replenish its stockpile.

"Those munitions are intended for (the use of attack) aircraft," he confirmed during the sidelights of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting which was held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.

Lorenzana said these weapons were carried to the country by the above-mentioned cargo plane last July 1.

The PAF C-130 left the country for its replenishment mission late June.

The weapons were acquired from Tucson, Arizona.

The DND chief clarified that the munitions have been acquired even before the Marawi City crisis and is intended to augment the country's munition stockpile which is now being used heavily in the ongoing efforts to neutralize remaining Maute Group remnants.

Philippine aircraft currently engaged in the Marawi City include the venerable Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" attack aircraft, the brand-new FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft, SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 light attack plane and the AgustaWestland AW-109 and MG-520 attack helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998812