MANILA, 12 Oct 2017:
Russia will deliver to the Philippines, this month, 5,000 units of AK-47 assault rifles, 20 military transport trucks and a million rounds of ammunition to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, the Russian embassy in Manila said today.
Russian ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev confirmed the arms shipment. “Russia fully supports (the Philippines) in the struggle against terrorism,” Khovaev said in a text message.
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte yesterday said Russia will donate a total of 5,000 Russian-made AK-47 Kalashnikov rifles, one of the world’s most recognisable firearms.
“We will have the 5,000 guns for you,” he said in a speech after he led the unveiling of the Scout Ranger Ville in San Miguel, a town in Bulacan province, north of Manila.
Aside from the AK-47s, Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Russia will also deliver 20 military transport trucks and a million round of ammunition.
He said the guns and the army trucks will be shipped to the Philippines on Oct 22 and will be officially turned over to the Philippine military on Oct 25.
“This is the donation of Russia in our fight against terrorism. (These equipment will be given) at no cost,” Lorenzana said.
He added that Russia wanted to help in the fight against terrorism. “(Russia) is also fighting terrorism and they also want to fight the worldwide fight against terrorism. That is the reason for the donation.”
Lorenzana said the Philippines is looking forward to conducting joint military exercises with Russia.
– Bernama