RP, US sign deal to install radiation detectors at Manila port

The Philippines and the US agreed yesterday to install special equipment at the port of Manila to detect hidden shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials, the US Embassy said.

"The United States and the Philippines both recognize the need to remain vigilant against the threat posed by the trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials through the global shipping network," US Charge d’Affaires Joseph Mussomeli said in a statement.

The radiation detection technology is part of US security efforts against the proliferation of nuclear weapons material, the embassy said.

A similar agreement was signed with Singapore in March.

The Philippine secretary for science and technology, Estrella Alabastro, said the agreement was a "big stride in strengthening the world’s nuclear security regime."— AP