The sniper rifles donated by China were used to kill the top two terror suspects in Marawi City, President Duterte revealed on Tuesday.

The President thanked both China and Russia for the military assistance given to the Philippine military to enhance its anti-terrorism capability.

“China, dalawang beses na naglipad dito para sa… And ‘yung sniper nila was of great help. ‘Yung mahaba nila na sniper. ‘Yun ang nakakuha kay ano — ‘yung dalawa ng madaling araw. Yun ang nakakuha [China has delivered to us twice. Their sniper [rifles] were a great help. Those were used to neutralize the two suspects early morning (of Monday)],” he said, referring to terror suspects Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute killed by troops last Monday.

Duterte, who earlier declared the liberation of Marawi from terrorists, claimed that sniper weapon could make a kill shot at one kilometer.

“Walang hangin pagka umaga. ‘Yun ang nagamit natin. Malaking tulong ‘yung ibinigay, [There was no wind every morning so we used that rifle. It was a great help],” he said.

Last June, China donated more than 3,000 sniper and assault rifles to the Philippine military to help fight Islamic militants in Mindanao.

The President said the weapon shipment highlighted the improved relations between the Philippines and China.

Recently, he announced that Russia is expected to give weapons and equipment to the Philippine military later this month.

He said Russia would give 5,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a military assistance offered during his brief visit to Moscow last May. At least 20 military trucks would also be donated by Russia to the AFP.

“Tutal dumating na ‘yung armas na ibinigay ng Russia, ‘yung AK-47. Libre ha,” Duterte said. (The weapons from Russia have arrived – the AK-47 – and they cost us nothing.)

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Genalyn D. Kabiling

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