ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – US Pacific Fleet Command chief Admiral Robert Willard assured the Philippine Navy that they would sustain its operational needs in the war against terror groups in Mindanao.
Willard issued the assurance Friday during his visit to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao where he formally turned over six rigid hull inflatable naval attack speedboats mounted with heavy machines.
“We remain on continuous discussions on ways how the US Navy may assist the Philippine Navy in advancing its operations and its needs out here and I think this is just a small example that we have here,” he said.
Willard said Mindanao remains strategic and protecting such a vast area requires more assets. – Roel Pareño