AFP: All prospective weapons donation need TWG stamp

All prospective weapons donation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will have to undergo scrutiny by a technical working group (TWG) to ensure that these systems are compatible to the equipment being used by the military.(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA—All prospective weapons donation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will have to undergo scrutiny by a technical working group (TWG) to ensure that these systems are compatible to the equipment being used by the military.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, when asked about a possible Chinese weapons donation to the Philippine military, said the TWG will determine whether the AFP is capable of operating, maintaining and integrating the donated weaponry to its existing systems.

This is also known as inter-operability, he added.

And while still to verify that there are Chinese plans to donate some of their surplus weapons to the AFP, Arevalo said they are very thankful for this, should this pushes through, as this will allow them to acquire more equipment.

Earlier, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said China has earlier informed him of their intention to donate 23,000 M-4 assault carbines to the PNP.

The donation was in sharp contrast to the US State Department’s decision to halt the sale of an estimated 26,000 to 27,000 M-4 carbines to the PNP due to human rights concerns last year.