Philippines axes $234M chopper deal with Canada
Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines, has ordered the country’s military to cancel a $234 million deal to buy Canadian-built combat helicopters.
Duterte said Friday equipment bought by the military needs to be free of any restrictions since it could be used in fighting insurgents.
Duterte said in the future the Philippine military will not buy its equipment from either Canada or the U.S.
“So from here on now, I am directing the armed forces of the Philippines since most of the guns, bullets and whatever, weapons of war ... invariably could be used against the rebels and the terrorists,” he told journalists in Davao City on Friday. “Do not buy any more from Canada. Or from the United States, because there is always a condition attached.”
He added: “I am sure Canada is a bright boy. But the terrorists, ISIS, are contaminating the locals. And if I cannot use the gunships, the helicopters, then I might as well surrender this government to them.
“I do not question your logic. Your logic is your logic. My logic is mine. It’s based on the reality on the ground.”
The decision sparked a sharp response from the Trudeau government, which only a few days earlier had been defending the deal.
“The president’s troubling comments on ly underscores the confusion and contradictions that have emerged recently on the intended end use of the helicopters,” International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement.
“That is precisely why I ordered a review and that process will continue.”
The Canadian Commercial Corporation, a government agency, brokered a deal to supply 16 Bell 412 helicopters to the Philippine military. The helicopters were to be built at Bell’s plant in Mirabel, Que.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said in Saguenay, Que., that he was disappointed with word of the cancelled contract, in particular for employees who he said must be worried at the news.
Couillard said the Mirabel installation was a successful operation that could continue to count on the province’s support.
Human rights advocates had expressed disbelief that Canada was selling the aircraft to the Philippines considering the country’s poor human rights record and its controversial leader Duterte.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also raised concerns about extrajudicial killings while visiting the country in November, specifically those related to Duterte’s violent crackdown on illegal drugs.
The International Criminal Court revealed Thursday it had launched an initial inquiry into allegations of crimes against humanity committed by Duterte. The allegations relate to extrajudicial executions committed during the president’s war on drugs, which has killed thousands.
The Liberal government, however, says it was unaware that the helicopters were going to be used for military operations. It stated the original purpose of the aircraft was for search and rescue and disaster relief. Liberal sources blamed the previous Conservative government for initiating the deal. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland indicated she was ready to block the sale if needed.
But the Philippine government never hid its intention to use the Canadian- built helicopters in military operations.
Philippines Brigadier- General Restituto Padilla, military chief of plans, told journalists this week in Manila that the aircraft “will be used for the military’s internal security operations.”
It was t hat statement t hat prompted the Liberals to order a review of the deal.