News Update Philippines gets US military help

MANILA - WASHINGTON has pledged to provide the Philippines with US$18.4 million (S$25.1 million) worth of precision-guided missiles this year to use in its fight against Islamist militants in the south, according to a military document seen by Reuters.

The missiles are being funded under a US Congress Act that allows the Defence Deparment to train and equip foreign armies allied with Washington to fight Islamist militants across the world since 2006.

Philippine defence and military officials could not say what type of guided missile equipment would be provided. Troops in the south have said they need unmanned drones to help hunt down Islamist militants on small remote islands.

'Fiscal year 2010 assistance for the Philippines provides a precision guided missile capability to assist Philippine armed forces's counter-terrorism efforts in southern regions to combat the activities of the Jemaah Islamiah and Abu Sayyaf Group,' said the document, which was shown to Reuters by a defence department official on condition of anonymity.

A US embassy spokeswoman confirmed there were funds available to the Philippines under the program, but did not comment on what they would be used for.

The Philippines has no missile capability. Most of its ships and aircraft are Vietnam War vintage. It spends about 1 per cent of GDP for defence and security, but 70 per cent of the budget goes to paying salaries and allowances of 130,000-member army. -- REUTERS