CLARK FREEPORT – Thousands of ammunition rockets, specifically designed for aircraft, were delivered to Philippine Air Force via Clark as part of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) between the United States and Philippine armed forces.
The fresh delivery of war materiel consisting of 992 (2.75 mm) rockets and 1,040 rocket motors are intended for the AFP’s counter-terrorism operations in the Southern Mindanao including war-torn Marawi City.
“Officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) supervised the turn-over rites held at Air Force City 600th Air Base Wing Haribon Hangar,” said the US Embassy in a statement.
“The timely transfers greatly enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) counterterrorism efforts. These are part of a series of upcoming transfers from the U.S. military to multiple branches of the AFP through both MLSA and the security assistance program,” the US Embassy statement added.
Through the MLSA, the AFP is able to receive select munitions and equipment from U.S. military stock in an accelerated process reserved for allies and close partners of the United States.
Early this year, the Unites States government donated military wares such as assault rifles and other high-powered firearms for use by the AFP in Marawi City.
Officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) turned over weapons and equipment delivered recently under the U.S. government’s Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program.
The combat weapons and equipment include 300 M4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, 4 M134D Gatling-style machine guns, and 100 M203 grenade launchers.
The US Embassy said more military equipment would be turned-over to AFP including 250 rocket-propelled grenade launchers and 1,000 M203 grenade launchers delivered to the Philippine Army through the security assistance program.
“The United States is a proud and steadfast ally of the Philippines and will continue to provide support to the AFP’s long-term modernization goals and counterterrorism needs.” The US Embassy added. –JESS MALABANAN