President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, February 9, ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to cancel the deal with Canada to buy 16 helicopters.
In his press conference, President Duterte mentioned that Canada has said it would only sell the helicopters if it will be used for evacuation and emergency purposes.
“Kasi sabi nila, magpabili lang sila sa atin but only for evacuation and emergency, hindi natin pwede gamitin ‘yung para sa anti-insurgency, because if it is used against the Filipino rebels, hindi nila ibigay,” Duterte said.
“So this is my reaction: I want to tell the Armed Forces to cut the deal, ‘wag na ituloy and somehow we will look for another supplier,” he said.
During the Manila Times’ 7th Business Forum, Duterte said he respects the decision of the Canadian government.
“We respect the policy of the Canadian people, well and good, do not buy anything that has something to do with arms,” the President said in his speech.
At the same time, he assured the Canadians that “we are friends, we do not hate you, we love Canadians because there are a lot of Filipinos there.”
Source: PCO-MARO Davao
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