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By APD Writer Melo M. Acuna
MANILA, June 30 (APD) – President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his thanks for the military assistance from the Chinese government to bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability to end the ISIS-inspired Maute Group now holed up in Marawi City in Southern Philippines.
In simple ceremonies yesterday afternoon at what used to be American-controlled Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga province, President Duterte said during his visit to China in October 2016, both countries agreed to address the emerging threat from terrorists and pirates in Mindanao.
“Beijing expressed willingness to unconditionally help the Philippines,” he said. He added he looked at this gesture as “a sign of goodwill on the part of our friends” referring to China. He said he accepted the offer.
After the ISIS-inspired Maute group launched their rebellion and advocated their Daesh ideology, China reiterated its offer to assist the Philipines.
“To Ambassador Zhao, please relate our sincerest thanks to President Xi Jinping and the government of the People’s Republic of China for its military aid package I will receive today in behelf of the Philippine government,” he said.
President Duterte said the aid package “also highlights the dawn of a new era in Philippine-Chinese relations.” He hastened to add as Philippine troops ends its operations, he will also welcome international partners into the rebuilding of Marawi City.
“This invitation extends to our allies who share with us the principles of goodwill and non-interference in our domestic affairs,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there exists a “renewed hope for better defense cooperation” as he received the urgent gratis (free) military assistance from the People’s Republic of China.
The event was also witnessed by Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana and General Eduardo M. Año, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In a statement from the Department of National Defense, it was learned the package costs of RMB 50 million (P 371 million) and consists of 90 units of sniper rifles, 3,000 units of M4 and six million rounds of assorted ammunition which were hauled from China using four PLA Air Force planes.
At the turn-over ceremony dubbed as “Pagtanggap,” Secretary Lorenzana said “the Filipino people (who) are indeed the ultimate beneficiaries of Chinese magnanimity” as he accepted the donation “with a deep sense of gratitude as well as renewed sense of hope for our nation’s safety and security.”
“We assure you that these donations will be put to productive utilization by our Armed Forces,” he added.
Defense officials are of the opinion the donated firearms and ammunition are welcome addition to the existing materiel in the Government Arsenal of the Department of National Defense for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Secretary Lorenzana said the donated materiel will “certainly improve” the capabilities of the armed forces for internal security operations particularly in the southern part of the country.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
