Bea Cupin
Despite President Duterte's announcement of a cancellation, the PNP insists it has his 'blessing' to push through with it.
MANILA, Philippines – It's a deal the Philippines will continue to pursue after all.
Nearly a week after President Rodrigo Duterte said he was ordering the Philippine National Police (PNP) not to buy assault rifles from a US-based company, Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the planned purchase would push through – barring hiccups.
"As far as the PNP is concerned, we have the blessing of the President to continue with the transaction as long as it's not barred. But if they stop it, I'm sure the President will tell me to stop it," said Dela Rosa on Monday, November 14.
On November 7, Duterte said he was ordering the PNP to drop its plan after reports that a US senator planned on stopping the Philippines' purchase of over 27,000 rifles from a US-based company. US weapon makers must inform Congress through the State Department when selling to foreign entities.
The apparent stalling of the PNP's plans comes amid Duterte's plan to pursue a foreign policy "independent" of the Philippines' longtime Western ally, the United States.
Read the full story at Rappler