MANILA, Philippines — The United States has vowed to provide the Philippines about P300 million in funds to help boost its intelligence operations as it grapples with threats posed by extremist groups, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the commitment reflected the “very strong” alliance between the Philippines and its defense treaty partner US. The boats could travel at 40-knots, enough to run after the motorized boats used by terrorists and pirates in the waters of Mindanao. The remaining P1.2 billion would be used to purchase 40 units of 33-footer boats from local shipbuilders. “These boats would be used for anti-piracy and law enforcement operations in the southern part of the Philippines.

Source: Philippine Star February 11, 2019 18:18 UTC