AFP hails delivery of American ‘smart munitions’ to fight terrorists in Mindanao

THE military said on Monday that the precision bombs that were turned over by the US government will greatly boost its effort in fighting both local and international terrorism.

“We may have been successful in counterterrorism operations—most notably in Marawi—with ordinary munitions fitted in our legacy aircraft. But with the advent of these missiles and munitions, we are certain that they will greatly boost our campaigns and contribute to the global drive to fight and defeat terrorists,” said Armed Forces spokesman Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

Arevalo was reacting to the ceremonial turnover of $18 million worth of precision guided munitions (PGMS) by US National Security Advisor Robert O’brien to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., which the Filipino top diplomat said would be used against terrorists in Mindanao.

Other than local extremists, foreign terrorists also operate in Mindanao in tandem with members of local groups such as the Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which have all allied themselves with the Islamic State.

“These ‘smart munitions’ with such capability and precision will aid immensely the AFP in ridding the country of terrorist menaces,” Arevalo said.

The donations, which were flown in by a US military plane included 24 MK- 82 bombs, an MK- 82 crate/ packaging, 100 tube launched optically guided wireless tow missiles 2A bunker busters and 12 improved target acquisition system and support equipment.