US delivers P183-M worth of weapons, gear to AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The United States government has delivered P183 million worth of weapons and equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance its counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities, the US Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday.

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

AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana has vowed to further upgrade the country’s air defense posture by procuring more multirole fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The PAF currently has 12 FA-50PH aircraft.

—TINA G. SANTOS AND JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE