RP, S'pore open joint exercises

RP, S'pore open joint exercises

LAUR, Philippines (AFP): As the Philippines and Singapore
opened joint military exercises here yesterday, Philippine
officials announced plans to go "shopping" in Singapore for
Manila's military modernization program.

At least 828 members of the Singapore Armed Forces and 877
Filipino soldiers are taking part in the third annual exercise,
held this year in Fort Magsaysay north of Manila.

Philippine Defense Secretary Renato De Villa opened the
exercises by firing a Singaporean-made FH 2000 howitzer -- a
weapon of interest to the Philippines -- while Philippine
military chief Gen. Arturo Enrile and Singapore chief of defense
force, Lt. Gen. Ng Jui Ping, watched.

Singapore's forces brought eight Super Puma helicopters, four
howitzers, four AMX-13 light tanks and two Milan guided anti-tank
missiles to the exercises, while the Philippines showcased its
two operational F-5 jets, two S211 trainer jets and two OV-10
planes in a bombing display.