China Donates 4 Patrol Boats to Philippines as part of Weapons Aid

China has donated four patrol boats to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as part of its US$14-million grant to help Manila’s modernization efforts.

In a statement, Navy spokesman Commodore Jonathan Zata was quoted as saying by Manila Bulletin that the four units of patrol boats came with 30 units of Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher (40MM) with corresponding ammunition. The equipment was sent during the third week of this month.

Zata said the equipment provided are being assessed as to “How this can be integrated within the organization and supported in the long term in terms of logistics”.

“Likewise we have assigned personnel to train on its operation and maintenance,” Zata said.

China previously offered more than P500 million worth of military equipment to augment the Philippine arsenal in battling Islamic State-linked militants.