Duterte thanks China over military aid to PHL troops

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday expressed his gratitude over China's "urgent" military assistance to the Philippine troops battling to retake Marawi City from Islamist extremists.

China's assistance, which in media advisory was said to be "gratis," was turned over by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua to the Philippine government in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the donations were consisted of various rifles and ammunition amounting to around 50 million CNY.

Duterte said he was grateful that Chinese President Xi Jinping, through Zhao, extended assistance to his administration, which is currently facing challenges of insurgency by Islamist extremists in the south.

"I said, I would need more arms. And true enough to his word, President Xi Jinping and China, and with the assurance of His Excellency, the ambassador, assured me that the arms will come on its way shortly," Duterte said in the turnover ceremony.

"And I was glad when I was informed a few weeks ago that it was on its way here. Mr. Ambassador, please accept my gratitude in behalf of the Filipino people," he added.

Zhao said Chinese government would continue to "fully support" the Duterte administration in its fight against terrorism.

He added that the donation is just the "first batch" and ensured that the second batch will be delivered in the coming months.

"Terrorism is the enemy both China and the Philippines are facing that requires our two militaries to further enhance cooperation in this area," he said.

Lorenzana said the government troops were accepting China's donation "with the deep sense of gratitude, as well as huge sense of hope for our nations' safety and security."

He also assured that the assistance will be utilized "proactively."

"These rifles and ammunitions will be addition to the existing material in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Lorenzana said.

"Likewise, this will certainly improve the capability of our armed forces for internal security operations, particularly in the southern part of the country," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

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