US to turn over counterterror equipment to Philippine Marines

MANILA, Philippines - The United States government is handing over military equipment in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s counter terror campaign.

The equipment, which will be turned over to the Philippine Marines on Monday, include 300 M4 Carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, 25 units combat rubber raiding craft, 100 M203 rail-mounted grenade launchers, 30 outboard motors and four M134D Gatling-style machine guns.

“These counter terrorism equipment will further enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps to counter terrorism and address threats posed by various groups,” Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, Marine spokesman, said yesterday.

Battalions of Marines, Army and Air Force troops are currently battling Maute terrorists and their Islamic State cohorts in Marawi City.

The turnover of equipment will be held at the Marine headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Lacuesta said.

The US support comes as the Philippine government is pivoting toward Russia and China.

A group of defense and military planners is reportedly flying to Russia next week to inspect defense and military equipment that the government is planning to procure from Moscow.

Aside from Moscow, the defense department is also eyeing to purchase big-tickets items from China, including fast attack boats, drones and night-capable attack helicopters as a result of improved relations between Beijing and Manila. 

No more old equipment 

Meanwhile, President Duterte yesterday told soldiers in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay that there would be no more second-hand equipment for them.

During his visit to the 102nd Army Brigade to which some of the soldiers killed in the airstrike belonged, Duterte assured the AFP that it would get 24 jet planes.

He said during his term, he would not opt for any second-hand navy boats.  

“Hindi na ako tatanggap ng mga equipment ng military (I won’t accept military equipment). Yong binibigay ng Amerikano ayaw ko na (I don’t like the ones Americans give). Even if I have to spend double the money. Yan ang maasahan ninyo (That’s what you can count on),” Duterte said.

He also assured the soldiers that he would continue to shoulder the education of children whose fathers died in combat.

He said he has an initial P20-billion trust fund for the education of children of fallen soldiers. – With Roel Pareño