China Offers Philippines $14M Worth Small Arms, Boats To Fight Drugs

Philippines has been offered guns and equipment worth US$14 million (RM62.6 million) by China to fight against drugs and terrorism.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters that the latest offer was made by the Chinese ambassador Zhao Jianhua to President Rodrigo Duterte, during his visit to Manila yesterday, AFP reports.

Lorenzana said the Philippines might use the US$14 million grant to acquire small arms, fast boats or night-vision goggles, adding the deal would be finalised before year-end.

China also offered long-term soft loans worth US$500 million which the Philippines would get next year to fight illegal drugs and terrorism, Lorenzana added.