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. She also expressed the city government’s gratitude to the US government for the various economic aid and programs provided to the city. It was the first visit of Kim to this city and to the southern Philippines.

Source: Philippine Star March 16, 2017 16:45 UTC