Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admittedthat the US has been supplying weaponry to the country to fight Mauteterrorists in Marawi city in southern Mindanao islands, the Philippine Star newspaper reported onJuly 16.
He also explained his country could not join any new military alliances asit would violate the decades-old defence treaty between the US and thePhilippines.
[US forces help Philippines military in Marawi]
The President also noted that the Southeast Asian country needed todiversify its military equipment supply, with China another source of weaponry forthe Philippines.
He also mentioned the possibility of buying firearms from Russia andother sources, saying arms assistance from China and Russia has no stringsattached.
Previously, in June, thePhilippine military’s spokesperson affirmed that the US military was assistingthe country’s armed forces with technical support in fighting Islamic State –linked militant groups in Marawi city.-VNA