Duterte to end conditional US, Canada arms deals

Bloomberg

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he’s scrapping the acquisition of 16 Canadian Bell helicopters and pledged to end military purchases from countries including the US that impose conditions. “Do not buy anymore from Canada or from the United States because there is always a condition attached,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City. He announced the cancellation of the chopper deal with Canada in a subsequent speech. The Canadian government denied the deal had been scrapped.
Canada ordered a review of the agreement a day after it was signed on concern that the aircraft would be used against Filipino rebels, which Duterte didn’t deny. “We will really use these weapons invariably against the rebels and terrorists,” he said, according to a transcript provided by his office. During a forum organized by the Manila Times also in Davao, Duterte said: “We will stop buying. Anything that is arms, do not; Canada is out.”
Since taking office in June 2016, the 72-year-old leader has launched a crackdown on drugs that killed thousands, prompting an investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged human rights violations. Months into his term, the US halted a planned sale of 26,000 assault rifles to Philippine police on concern over the killings. Duterte responded by scrapping the weapons deal. The brash, tough-talking leader who enjoys strong support at home, threatened to withdraw from a treaty that helped form the International Criminal Court, while daring it to execute him if he’s found guilty of crimes against humanity.