VFA commish cautions on live fire exercises

The use of live ammunition during joint military exercises with the United States will not be allowed unless the Armed Forces can ensure that proper security and safety procedures are in place, the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission said yesterday.

In a memorandum, Foreign Affairs Secretary and VFACOM chairman Domingo Siazon Jr. told Navy Admiral Luisito Fernandez to observe such rule after the VFACOM was informed that joint training exercises involving possible live fire procedures will start in Subic, Zambales next week.

The new exercise requirement was a result of the Aug. 19 incident in Toledo City, Cebu, where two male teenagers died and another was wounded after a 40mm training round they recovered from a firing range used by the Philippine forces and the US Navy Seals exploded.— Aurea Calica