Pres. Duterte Thanks China For Donating 3,000 Assault and Sniper Rifles to the Philippines!

On June 28, 2017, the Chinese Embassy donated more than 3,000 high-powered sniper and assault rifles to the Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte says the guns will be used to fight against the terrorists in Mindanao, where martial law still reigns. The first batch of military equipment came in four cargo planes, worth an estimated ₱590 million, and were turned over to the Philippine government at Clark Airbase, Pampanga. President Duterte was quick to express his gratitude to the Chinese government for their aid against the ISIS-aligned militants currently besieging Marawi City.
“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 behalf of the Philippine government,” he said. The Philippines’ commander-in-chief said this contract was “the dawn of a new era of Philippine-Chinese relations.” Duterte was, of course, referring to the several new business agreements between the Philippines and China. The Philippine head of state met with Chinese President Xi Jinping many times in the past. President Duterte said: “This not only strengthens our country’s commitment to support each other during times of need, but also highlights the dawn of a new era in Philippine-Chinese relations.” Your Excellency, Mr. President, I know you are fighting terrorism, ISIS-related terrorism in the south. China is also a victim of terrorism.” The ambassador added that a second batch of weapons will be sent to the Philippines within the coming months. Reportedly, over 71 government troops and 299 Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed in the ongoing conflict in Marawi City. 246,000 citizens of Marawi have been displaced due to the conflict.