Jordan to deliver Cobra helicopters in October — Esperon
SINGAPORE – Jordan is reportedly set to deliver at least two Cobra helicopters to the Philippines in October this year.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Jordan’s King Abdullah is willing to donate the helicopters to the Philippines as long as all documents and other requirements are complied with.
“As soon as the pilots have completed their training in Jordan, that is the time that the Cobra choppers will be delivered,” Esperon said.
Esperon revealed he advised President Duterte to tone down his attacks against UN Human Rights commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein because his cousin, Jordan King Abdullah, was willing to donate helicopters to the Philippines.
He also advised presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. not to speak against Zeid.
Esperon cited an instance when Roque lambasted Zeid, saying that “Jordan’s leaders are not democratically elected.”
The national security adviser said Roque should not be saying such things and he should be careful of the implications of making such statements about the Jordan monarch.
Esperon is part of the delegation that accompanied the President to the 32nd ASEAN Leaders Summit which ended yesterday.
Duterte later admitted Esperon had advised him to go slow on Zeid because of the impending donation of two Cobra choppers.
Esperon said each Cobra helicopter costs $18 million, which he said is an expensive donation.
Aside from the Cobra helicopters, Jordan is also reportedly donating several other items such as RPGs, sniper rifles as well as armored tankers which could be of good use to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Esperon said his deputy will fly to Jordan soon to follow up on the donation.
He also pointed out Jordan has been kind and accommodating to the more than 50,000 Filipino workers there.
Esperon also pointed out Jordan is a moderate Muslim country and has been helping the Philippines in fighting Islamic State militants, particularly during the siege on Marawi City last year.