BY MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
The national government has received various defense gears worth P1.38 billion ($29 million) from long-time ally United States, the Department of National Defense (DND) bared.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. personally accepted Tuesday the defense articles, which included snipers and anti-improvised explosive device (IED) equipment, from acting US Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller.
Miller also informed Lorenzana that a C-130 military transport aircraft will be delivered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 17 as part of its efforts to boost the military-to-military engagement of Manila and Washington.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said, noting that the Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation. Our government expresses our deep appreciation for the US government’s assistance in protecting our borders from external threats,” he added.
Miller, who was appointed by outgoing US President Donald Trump last month following the firing of Mark Esper, met with Lorenzana and other government officials “to highlight the long-standing and steadfast alliance” between the two countries, the DND said in a statement.
During the meet, Lorenzana said Miller assured him of the US government’s commitment to help the country secure its national and regional security. (Martin Sadongdong)
