By Roel Pareño
ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – The US government has agreed to extend $1 million in aid for the establishment of a maritime facility in southern Mindanao to help combat piracy and terrorism.
US Ambassador Sung Kim made the commitment during a courtesy call on city Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and security officials yesterday.
Security was tight, with soldiers and heavily armed policemen in armored personnel carriers seen downtown.
Kim declined media interviews but Salazar said they requested the US envoy for the extension of the grant that will expire this year.
She also expressed the city government’s gratitude to the US government for the various economic aid and programs provided to the city.
The financial assistance will be used for the establishment of the main headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime in the eastern coast of the city.
Salazar said the US ambassador agreed to their request.
Read the full story at PhilStar