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