U.S. hands over $2.7m to RP navy

U.S. hands over $2.7m to RP navy

PHILIPPINES: The United States handed the Philippine navy US$2.7 million worth of guns, patrol boats, radios, ammunition, and medical equipment on Tuesday, as part of a counterterrorism package that includes training for elite units.

The U.S. equipment and supplies were presented in a ceremony at a naval base near Manila, navy spokesman Capt. Geronimo Malabanan said.

Also part of the package was an 11-month naval special operations training module, which aims to enhance the capability of the Philippine navy's Special Warfare Group, Malabanan said.

He said training began on Sunday at different marine bases.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Ernesto de Leon said the U.S. equipment and supplies were vital for fighting local insurgencies - communist rebels, separatists and al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf extremists.

Philippine and U.S. forces have a mutual defense treaty and are close allies in the war on terrorism, holding at least 18 annual joint military drills.

U.S.-backed assaults crippled and displaced the Abu Sayyaf's main faction on southern Basilan island two years ago, forcing guerrillas to flee to nearby Jolo and other regions. -- AP