Manila, July 21 -- Australia is set to provide at least PHP413 million worth of cutting-edge drone technology and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said visiting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday.

Wong, who is in Manila to participate in the week-long Philippine-hosted ASEAN meetings, said she hopes to see the new assistance further contribute to PCG's maritime security, search-and-rescue, and environmental protection operations.

"This PHP413 million drone package benefits not just the Philippines' maritime security agencies, but the millions of everyday Filipinos who rely on an open and accessible maritime domain for their livelihoods and commerce," she said in a statement forwarded by the Australi...