MANILA - The United States embassy in Manila signed Thursday an agreement with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to build a new counter-terrorism training center in the country.

Deputy Chief of Mission John Law signed a memorandum of understanding with PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde to build a new state-of-the-art regional counter-terrorism training center in the country, the US embassy said in a statement.

The training center, which will be constructed and operated on the grounds of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite, will be given $10 million, or P520 million, by the US Department of State for its funds.

The center, according to the US embassy, will provide counter-terrorism training for law enforcement units and personnel from the Philippines and regional partner nations.

The US consul said the agreement was signed in response to a request from the PNP for a facility to provide enhanced regional counter-terrorism training.