US prepares Filipino troops against chemical attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The US military is helping Filipino soldiers prepare for possible chemical attack of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group as fighting continues in several parts of Mindanao. 

According to the US Embassy in Manila, officials from the Joint United State Military Assistance Group has delivered 1,000 M40 field protective masks and C2 filter canisters to the Philippine Navy.

The turnover of the military protective masks were conducted in two batches; one delivery made on Wednesday and the other on Thursday.

The support came following the request of the Philippine Navy to help sailors and marines prepare for possible chemical attack of terrorists. 

The US embassy did not mention the particular operation in Mindanao where the protective equipment will be used. .

The turnover of protective masks also came following North Korea's test-firing of missile, which flew over Japan and landed in the northern Pacific Ocean.

The Armed Forces will receive more munitions and equipment from US military in an accelerated process reserved for allies and close partners of the United States through the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, the US embassy said.

“The United States is proud to work closely with the Republic of the Philippines and will continue to support capacity-building counterterrorism efforts and the AFP’s long-term modernization goals,” it added.