US military turns over boat facility in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — The Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines has turned over a newly constructed boat repair and maintenance facility at the Naval Station Rio Hondo in this city.

The facility, which will be utilized by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Assault Boat Battalion, is the first of three projects meant to help build the capability of the military in the region.

The US embassy said the projects are part of a Foreign Military Financing grant worth more than $5 million.

“Through joint training, key military equipment transfers and facilities such as this structure and others like it, the United States continues to support the AFP’s modernization programs,” the embassy said in a statement, quoting JUSMAG-Philippines chief and senior defense official to the Philippines Col. Stephen Ma.

“Our mutual security cooperation remains a cornerstone of our partnership and alliance,” Ma said.

Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, who witnessed the turnover of the facility with PMC Combat Service Support Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ruben Candelario last week, extended the PMC and Navy’s gratitude to the JUSMAG.

The US embassy said the Philippines is the largest recipient of military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region. The country has received $1.06 billion or around P50.6 billion since 2015.