A report from international news agency Reuters had stated that top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin was hesitant to provide US weapons to the PNP due to their “concerns about human rights violations in the Philippines.”
On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said, “PNP chief (Ronald “Bato”) Dela Rosa is saddened by the report that the US State Department is planning to stop the selling of M4 assault rifles the PNP is buying from America.”
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He also disclosed, “The purchase has undergone the purchase proceedings and contract has been awarded to the winning bidder. They are offering the Sig Sauer M4 assault rifles made in USA but Sig Sauer is a European brand.”
However, he adds, the PNP is still awaiting official notice from the US and arms supplier regarding the matter.
A senior police official believes that the procurement of 26,000 to 27,000 rifles is an “urgent matter” due to the defective and outdated guns the PNP are currently using.
On the other hand, such reports do not faze President Rodrigo Duterte as he states, “Remember what the Russian diplomat said? Come to Russia. We have everything you need.”
The President has constantly included during his speeches that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has indicated that Russia was ready to help the Philippines, after their meeting in Laos.
This has been confirmed through GMA News’ exclusive interview with Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev, who said, “Please formulate your wish list. What kind of assistance do you expect from Russia and we will be ready to sit down with you and discuss what can and should be done.”
Sources: (newsinfo.inquirer.net, news.abs-cbn.com, gmanetwork.com)
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