US pledges $26.5M to Philippine for anti-terror efforts

By Maecy Alviar

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) - The U.S. has committed to provide $26.5 million support for the Philippines’ fight against terrorism, the country’s embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.

The assistance, which will come in the form of training, equipment and other support to counter terrorism, will be given to Philippine law enforcement agencies over the next two years.

The Philippines has been fighting with Daesh-linked terrorists for decades and the pledge aims to strengthen the country’s investigation and prosecution of terrorists as well as to counter radicalization to violence and violent extremism.

“This support for non-military rule-of-law approaches to addressing terrorist threats will complement our sustained commitment to building the counterterrorism capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said the U.S. embassy in a statement.

Washington last year donated $13.64 million to help rebuild war-torn Marawi City.

It also gave two brand new surveillance planes and other military equipment to assist Manila in its fight against terrorism.