PH to boost maritime awareness with $40M from US

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will acquire equipment mostly for maritime awareness with the $40 million it will receive from the United States.

“The $40 million is already earmarked for certain projects and these are mutually discussed between the Philippines and United States…At the moment we have priorities for communication, maritime awareness,” Armed Forces spokesperson Colonel Restituto Padilla told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Thursday that the United States will provide $40 million in military assistance to the Philippines in 2015.

The US had lifted its restrictions in providing military assistance to the Philippines after it noted the improving human rights situation in the country.

In 2009, the US withheld its military aid to the Philippines due to reported human rights abuses in the country. The lifting of the ban came after the arrest of Major General Jovito Palparan last year.

“Well natutuwa ang AFP at patuloy pa rin ang pagsuporta ng ating pinakaprincipal na ally dito sa region. At yung suporta na yan ay malaki ang mapupuntahan lalo na sa capability upgrade programs ng Armed Forces,” Padilla said.

“Yung mga coast watch systems nation sa south na inumpisahan noon, ngayon patuloy natin pinapalakas para mabantayan natin yung littoral areas,” he added.

The Philippines is beefing up its maritime capability amid increased tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Philippines is also set to buy two used C-130s from the United States for $55 million.