US turns over counter-terror weapons, equipment to AFP

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MANILA — The US military turned over, on Monday, new counter-terrorism weapons and equipment to the Philippine Marine Corps as part of its continuing efforts to help the country fortify its counter-terrorism capabilities.

The weapons and equipment delivered under the US government’s Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program included 300 M4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, four M134D Gatling-style machine guns, 100 M203 grenade launchers and 25 new combat rubber raiding craft with outboard motors.

“The equipment transfers and continued bilateral training and exercises demonstrate the commitment of the United States to work with the Philippines towards building safer communities and eradicating global terror networks,” according to the US Embassy in Manila.

Since 2007, the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (Jusmag) has delivered and programmed P7.3 billion worth of military equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to beef up counterterrorism capabilities, it said. On the other hand, the AFP has also purchased small-arms weapons, water craft, unmanned aerials vehicles and personal protective equipment under the US government’s foreign military sales system and other programs, it added.  SFM