President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he would send Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to accept the firearms that China is providing the Philippines.
Speaking before troops of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) at Camp Servillano Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac City, the chief executive disclosed that Beijing has been pressing him to receive the arms.
“China is pressing me na nariyan na ‘yung armas. Tatanggapin ko na. Apurado sila,” said Duterte.
But because of his busy schedule, the president said he would just send Lorenzana and some generals officials to fetch them.
“Magkahiyaan na eh. Nandiyan na ‘yung armas. Gusto nila ibigay,” he said, adding that Beijing is giving it as a grant payable in 25 years.
“So it’s really very easy for us… Hindi na tayo kailangan maghihingi pa sa iba because they’re willing to give it. Hindi naman free but it’s a grant actually. If it’s a grant payable in 25 years that is really practically giving,” according to Duterte.
“Basta grant… tapos ang terms of payment another 25 years… extension, bale bigay na ‘yan. So it’s obvious na gusto ng China magbigay sa atin,” continued.
It can be recalled that the United States (U.S.) in November cancelled the planned sale of some 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to opposition by Democrat Senator Ben Cardin because alleged human rights violations in the government’s war on drugs.
The president said the government will then just have to look for another source “that is cheaper and maybe as durable and as good as those made from the place we are ordering them.”
He stressed that the Philippines can source firearms from other countries like Russia and China, which he earlier said have expressed willingness to help the country boost its defense system.
The post Duterte: China Providing Firearms Grant to PH appeared first on Manila Bulletin.
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