US commits over P300 million to further boost PHL efforts vs terrorism

(Eagle News)—The United States has committed more than P300 million to fund intelligence gathering efforts in order to strengthen the Philippines’ counterterrorism capabilities.

The Palace on Monday, Feb. 11, made the announcement as it welcomed the aid, which came after the twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 23.

The explosions were blamed on an Indonesian couple assisted by local terrorists.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Philippines needed “all the help as every member-country in the United Nations needs the assistance and cooperation of each other to combat and crush terrorism.”

“Terrorism knows no boundaries, politics, religion, and creed. It is the new evil in the world that strikes at every country and every continent,” he said.

He said the US aid “shows that our military alliance with the United States remains strong.”

As for the Philippine government, Panelo said it was “relentlessly pursuing the mass murderers even as some of them have been criminally charged and presently detained.”

“We assure the nation that security for our people have been enhanced,” he said, as he called on the public to be vigilant.