Also tells military to “discontinue” $233-million contract with Canadian company for 16 combat helicopters
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “discontinue” its $233-million contract with a Canadian company for 16 combat helicopters, and to stop buying arms from the country in general.
Duterte said the AFP should also stop buying the same from the United States.
“From here on now, I am directing AFP since most of the guns, bullets and whatever weapons of war gagamitin against the terrorists, do not buy anymore from Canada or from the US because there is also a condition attached,” he said.
Earlier, AFP deputy chief for plans Restituto Padilla said the helicopters would be used only for humanitarian operations and to transport wounded soldiers.
Padilla issued the statement after Canada ordered a review of the deal amid concerns the aircraft could be used to fight rebels.
The Philippine and Canadian governments earlier announced the deal less than three months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clashed with host President Rodrigo Duterte over Philippine drug war killings, on the sidelines of a Manila summit.
