President Duterte admits US supplying weapons to Philippines

President Duterte admits US supplying weapons to Philippines to fight terrorism

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that the US has been supplying weaponry to the country to fight Maute terrorists in Marawi city, the Philippine Star newspaper reported on July 16.

Monday, July 17, 2017 10:32

President Duterte admits US supplying weapons to Philippines to fight terrorism ảnh 1

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admittedthat the US has been supplying weaponry to the country to fight Mauteterrorists in Marawi city in southern Mindanao islands, the Philippine Star newspaper reported onJuly 16.

He also explained his country could not join any new military alliances asit would violate the decades-old defence treaty between the US and thePhilippines.

[US forces help Philippines military in Marawi]

The President also noted that the Southeast Asian country needed todiversify its military equipment supply, with China another source of weaponry forthe Philippines.

He also mentioned the possibility of buying firearms from Russia andother sources, saying arms assistance from China and Russia has no stringsattached.

Previously, in June, thePhilippine military’s spokesperson affirmed that the US military was assistingthe country’s armed forces with technical support in fighting Islamic State –linked militant groups in Marawi city.-VNA

VNA

#Philippine President #Rodrigo Duterte #weaponry supply #the US #Philippines #Maute terrorists #Mindanao islands #Marawi city #China #Russia #Islamic State #Vietnam news #VietnamPlus #Vietnam News Agency Philippines

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