AFP says smart bombs, missiles from US to help PH wipe out terror

The Philippine military welcomes the US handover of $18 million worth of weapons systems which top AFP officials said would boost the Philippines’ campaign to wipe out terrorism. DFA

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday (Nov. 23) welcomed the US handover of $18 million worth of weapons systems which top AFP officials said would boost the Philippines’ campaign to wipe out terrorism.

“We may have been successful in counter-terrorism operations—most notably in Marawi —with ordinary munitions fitted in our legacy aircraft,” said AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement.

“But with the advent of these missiles and munitions, we are certain that they will greatly boost our campaigns and contribute to the global drive to fight and defeat terrorists,” he said.

US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien handed over the war equipment to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
in ceremonies at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Manila.

The donated package included 24 MK-82 bombs; 1 MK-82 crate/ packaging; 100 tube launched optically guided wireless tow missiles 2A Bunker Busters; 12 improved target acquisition system and support equipment. It is part of Trump’s pledge to provide missiles to the Philippine made in a phone call with President Rodrigo Duterte last April.

Arevalo said the “smart munitions with such capability and precision will aid immensely the AFP in ridding the country of terrorist menaces.”

AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay conveyed his thanks to the defense departments of both the Philippines and US “for brokering and sealing the deal.”

O’Brien’s visit to the Philippines followed his tour in Japan and Vietnam.

TSB