The United States announced this week, just before the start of the APEC Summit in Manila, that they would provide $259 million to its Southeastern Asian Allies for their maritime security.

The announcement pledges support to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

In all, the United States will commit $119 million for the year 2015, along with an additional $140 million for 2016.

“We are increasing the maritime security capacity of our allies and partners to respond to threats in waters off their coasts and to provide maritime security more broadly across the region,” the White House statement said.

Out of all the countries, the Philippines will receive a bulk of the money allotted.

The statement said that throughout the agreement term stated, the Philippines will receive $79 million dollars in all.

The United States also granted two more ships to add to the Philippines defence fleet – both are said to come direct from the US Coast Guard.

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