Best of Friends

MONEY
American military assistance to the Philippines has jumped from $38 million in 2001 to $114 million this yearmaking it the fourth largest recipient of U.S. military aid. Last week President Bush promised development money for the southern island of Mindanao if a peace pact can be secured between Manila and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front

WEAPONRY
Since 2001, the U.S. has provided the Philippine military with 45,000 M-16 assault rifles, 333 heavy trucks, five "Huey" helicopters, several coastal-patrol vessels and a C-130 military transport aircraft. During his visit to Manila, Bush reiterated a promise...

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