The President said the AFP can expect more to come from a $150-million anti-terrorism assistance package, which she described as a concrete result of her recent visit to the US.
She explained that the package is in addition to the $100-million commitment included in the joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of her talks with US President George W. Bush in Washington on Nov. 20.
The Philippines had secured a total $4.6 billion in military packages, investments, development assistance, trade commitments and tariff concessions from the US government and the private sector.
"The $100 million, that’s just for starters. Some will be coming right away like the first C-130," Mrs. Arroyo said in her weekly radio/TV program aired from the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.
The President pointed out that during their official visit to the White House, Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes was able to present to US officials a list of military equipment needed by the Philippine military to boost its campaign against terrorist groups.
For this year, the AFP expects to secure the delivery of $20 million worth of military equipment, including the C-130 and a $15-million Cyclone patrol boat intended for the Philippine Navy.
The AFP will also be receiving some 30,000 upgraded M-16 assault rifles, 100 military trucks and funding for the upgrade of Huey helicopters.