Marine troops in Marawi City to get first track in US donated anti-terror weapons, gear

MANILA — Marine units, currently engaged against the Maute Group remnants in Marawi City, will be among the first recipients of the brand-new anti-terror weapons and equipment donated by the US Government.

This was bared Monday by Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) head Major Gen. Emmanuel Salamat at the sidelights of the turn-over ceremonies held at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Handed by US Joint Military Assistance Group representatives were 300 M-4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, 25 units combat rubber raiding craft, 100 M-203 rail mounted grenade launchers, 30 outboard motor, and four M-134D Gatling-style machine gun.

Salamat said the transfer of the weapons highlights the long-standing cooperation with the US.

“We are just continuing our cooperation and engagement and this is also a product of long years of hard work, this agreement has been worked on since 2013 so its a product of a long cooperation even before my predecessor,” the PMC chief added.

When asked on what units will get first crack on the US donated weapons and gears, Salamat said PMC units now in Marawi City are the priority in the distribution.

“We will give this (weapons and equipment) to our troops in Marawi City,” he said.