RP seeking $19 M in military aid from US

The government has asked the US for up to $19 million in military aid over the next year to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its modernization program.

US military assistance to the Philippines in 2000 was worth just $2 million.

"This would be permanently focused on helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines maintain some of the equipment they have and necessary training, and things along that line," US Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly said in a news conference in Manila.

Earlier this year, President Arroyo asked the US for logistics support in fighting Abu Sayyaf bandits who are holding 18 hostages, including an American couple.

Kelly said it was too early to say if the government’s efforts against the Abu Sayyaf had been a success.

"The only measure of success is when the hostages have all been released and that has not happened yet," he said.

The Philippines has made peace or opened peace talks with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the communist National Democratic Front. – Paolo Romero