(Eagle News)—President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau anew for his country’s decision to review the planned sale of helicopters to the Philippines over concerns it would be used against Communist rebels.
President Duterte later ordered the cancellation of the $233-million contract involving 16 Bell helicopters.
“For God’s sake Mr. Trudeau, my own citizens are rebelling against us, killing my soldiers and policemen and civilians. And I cannot use the helicopter because they are citizens. But they are out to overthrow my government,” Duterte said in a speech in Cebu.
According to Duterte, “If you cannot understand you should not be there in that mighty post of yours.”
Trudeau has formally announced he would run again in next year’s elections in Canada.
“Because you do not know the history of the world and geopolitics,” Duterte said.
The Philippines is looking at other countries as sources of helicopters.
Only recently, Jordan committed to provide the Philippines with two Cobra helicopters.