MARINES TO GET ANTITERROR GEAR FROM US; DIGONG WANTS ’EM NEW

The Philippine Marines will get additional antiterror equipment from the United States government on Monday.

A turnover ceremony will take place at the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Marine spokesperson Capt. Ryan Lacuesta said on Friday.

“The United States Government will formally hand over various equipment to the [Marines]. These equipment will further enhance the capabilities of the [Marines’] counterterrorism units in addressing different threats posed by different terrorists and other groups,” he added.

Equipment to be turned over to the Marines include 300 M4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, 25 units of combat rubber raiding craft, 100 M203 rail mounted grenade launchers, 30 outboard motors and four M134D Gatling-style machine guns.

Later on Friday, President Duterte promised to buy brand-new-military equipment to fight twin Maoist and Muslim rebellions, and no longer accept secondhand weapons from the United States.

Over the last two weeks, some 3,000 security personnel have been battling about 400 pro-Islamic State terrorists who had taken over Marawi City. The forces are using refurbished US planes, armored vehicles and assault rifles.

“I will no longer accept secondhand military equipment,” Mr. Duterte told soldiers at an Army base in Zamboanga del Sur. “I do not want those given by the Americans. During my time, I will not have secondhand ships. It has to be brand new.”

Mr. Duterte said he would acquire new and modern weapons systems “even if I have to spend double the money,” and would look at buying equipment such as planes, boats, drones and guns from China and Russia.

Since 2000, Washington has given Manila nearly $800 million worth of drones, helicopters, assault rifles and combat gear including tactical radios, night-vision devices and spares.

The Philippine budget allocates more than P100 billion to modernize the military’s equipment under a five-year plan, spending P25 billion this year on acquisitions from South Korea and Israel.

Manila has ordered two large strategic sealift vessels from Indonesia and 12 FA-50 light fighters from South Korea.

“By the time I am out of office, you will have about 24 jet planes,” Mr. Duterte said. “I will acquire 12 more.”