Envoy says PH open to having ammunition manufacturing site in Subic

The Philippines is open to the production of ammunition in the country as it will enhance the defense ties between Manila and Washington, according to an envoy. 

Speaking to the Philippine media delegation, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel ''Babe'' Romualdez has said an ammunition production facility would also generate employment in the country. 

''Obviously, we’re open to that one, because it’s a good way of being able to help a combination of both defense and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States,'' Romualdez said. 

''So, setting up a production facility in the Philippines, would obviously be beneficial for us economically also because it will create a job, and it will obviously be a good hub for them to be able to produce what it requires for our defense,'' he added. 

Romualdez said a number of companies in the Philippines are interested in joining the potential consortium for the said ammunition production facility.

Earlier, it was reported that US lawmakers were exploring the possibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay.

In its report dated June 16, the US House Committee on Appropriations directed the US Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility in the said area.

The facility will enable the forward staging of ammunition stockpiles and related materials such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and acid. —VAL, GMA Integrated News