Philippines to Buy 23 New Attack Helicopters: President

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said his government is eyeing the acquisition of 23 new attack helicopters to counter terrorism and rebellion.

“I would ask military officials to scout for the new helicopters and other military equipment,” Duterte was quoted as saying by Abs-Cbn news portal Wednesday. He said during a speech in front of wounded soldiers at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City.

He also reiterated his vow not to purchase secondhand hardware. “I am ordering new ones in the next few months… I am in a hurry,” he said.

The President has been repeatedly expressing his desire to leave a “strong military” after his 6-year presidency, especially in the wake of the Marawi siege, which tested Filipino troops in urban warfare.