MANILA, Feb. 24 -- The United States has exempted USD336 million for the modernization of Philippine security forces in its foreign aid freeze, a report said.

Reuters, in an exclusive dated Feb. 22, said the specific assistance is included in the USD5.3 billion previously frozen foreign aid that the Trump administration has released.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez on Monday welcomed the development but has yet to confirm if Manila has been formally notified.

"We are pleased with this development. Another significant sign that our strong partnership and alliance with the United States remains intact," he told the Philippine News Agency.

Citing documents it secured, Reuters said the exemptions were made even befor...