Philppines’ Anti-Terror Efforts Reinforced

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China will likely donate four fast boats to Manila to be operated in the high risk waters of the Sulu Sea, the Southern Philippines region, aside from military equipment that China had already donated to the country. This was stated by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The Defense chief noted that China had donated 3,000 M-16, about 90 sniper rifles and millions worth of ammunition to the country, which were used by government troops in Marawi City.

According to defenseworld.net, Lorenzana’s statement was made after Beijing officially turned over $3 million worth of construction equipment to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi.

The high-speed boats are expected to be delivered to the country before the end of the year, according to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua.

Philippine troops, backed by airstrikes and artillery, have battled for over a month to drive the extremists out of Marawi but the militants have fought back.

Philstar.com reported in September that China was seeking to conduct joint military exercises with the Philippines to combat terrorism.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua relayed China’s proposal for training with the country’s special forces.

Arevalo told reporters that China’s proposal was made after its P5-million donation for the benefit of soldiers fighting the Maute group in Marawi City. It pledged another P15 million to help in the locality’s rehabilitation, Arevalo said.

Arevalo added Zhao, in his talks with AFP chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año, also discussed China’s desire for continuing exchange of information between the two countries.

He said such exchanges include the sharing of intelligence information and other forms of cooperation “in relation to fighting global threat on terror.”