RP to get nuclear detection equipment

RP to get nuclear detection equipment

PHILIPPINES: The United States said on Tuesday it would
install special equipment at Manila Port to detect shipments of
nuclear and other radioactive material as part of Washington's
efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism.

The U.S. and the Philippines signed a pact to install the
equipment at the busy international port, which would boost the
allies' "work on the war on terrorism," the U.S. Embassy said in
a statement.

The gear was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy as
part of Washington's overall nuclear security efforts "to guard
against the proliferation of nuclear weapons material", it said.

"The United States and the Philippines both recognize the need
to remain vigilant against the threat posed by the trafficking of
nuclear and other radioactive materials through the global
maritime shipping network," U.S. Embassy charge d'affaires Joseph
Mussomeli said.

Washington is concerned about the possibility of al-Qaeda or
other terrorist groups acquiring nuclear material. -- AFP