PH eyes Israel, Jordan as source of military hardware

The government is looking into the possible purchase of defense equipment from Israel and Jordan following President Duterte’s official visit.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) might consider the acquisition of weapons from the two countries

amid reported cheaper costs.

But for now, Roque said there was no commitment yet on any weapons deal with the two nations.

Roque made the remarks a day after President Duterte returned to the country with revitalized economic, labor, and defense relations with Israel and Jordan.

In his trip to Israel, the President, who admitted he prefers the military to get intelligence gathering Israel equipment, visited a military facility to view its modern defense hardware.

Duterte was given a tour of Jordan’s special operations training center where he witnessed an urban terrain demonstration by the Jordanian forces. Jordan has promised to give two attack helicopters and other equipment such as mortars, rifles, and rocket-propelled grenade to the Philippines.

Roque said the President was impressed with the defense capability and equipment of the two nations.

“I take it he was equally impressed. And I take it also that the costs of the hardware were a lot cheaper compared to where we to buy it from other countries,” Roque said during a recent media interview.

“Basta sabi lang nila, they were impressed by it and it was a lot cheaper compared to what they have seen from other countries,” he added.

When he returned to Davao City last Saturday, the President was asked about the possible arms deal with Israel and Jordan.

“In other areas, except ‘yung military pati police equipment, I can only answer that. Yes, we can increase or also import, it is two-way,” he said during a press conference.

“You cannot always say that you have to make money by export. Of course, you earn more when you sell than when you pay. Pero sabi ko sa inyo na meron tayong... marami rin silang wala,” he said.

The President was thankful for the hospitality shown by Israel and Jordan during his visit. He also urged Filipinos to visit the two countries, assuring that these are safe places to travel to.