President Duterte Says Firearms From China Now Ready For Shipment, Payable In 25 Years

President Rodrigo Duterte said before the troops of North Luzon Command (NOLCOM) at Camp General Servillano Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac City on Sunday, December 11, that China is ready to deliver firearms for Philippine military.

“China is pressing me, na nandiyan na ung armas. Tatangapin ko na, apurado sila,” the President said.

President Duterte, however, did not immediately disclose specifics of the firearms deal, including the amount and the number of firearms involved.

“Nagkakahiyaan na e, nandiyan na ung armas, gusto nila ibigay. So it’s very easy for us had it been na pareho ang ano… Hindi na tayo kailangan maghihingi pa sa iba because they are willing to give it. Hindi naman free, a grant actually,” the President added.

Furthermore, he said China will be selling armaments payable in 25 years.

“Grant payable in 25 years is really practically giving. Basta grant, grant, grant tapos ang terms of payment another 25 years may extension bale bigay na yan. So it’s obvious gusto ng China magbigay sa atin,” President Duterte said.

Due to his busy schedule, the President said he would most likely be unable to go back to China and would just send Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to finalize the purchase.

“Eh marami pa akong gagawin, sabi ko nalang kay Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, sabi ko puntahan mo sila doon at kunin mo na. I suppose that we can send some general to receive,” President Duterte added.

The Philippines renewed its ties with China during President Duterte’s state visit last October.

Source: GMA News