THE PHILIPPINES has scrapped a deal to buy 16 Russian military transport helicopters because of fears of US sanctions, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday, citing Philippine officials.
Former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said late on Tuesday the P12.7-billion ($227 million) deal to acquire Mi-17 helicopters had been canceled.
The decision to buy the helicopters was approved last month by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, before their terms in office ended on June 30, the news agency reported.
“We could face sanctions,” the news agency quoted Mr. Lorenzana as saying in an interview.
Philippine government officials were not immediately available for comment.
US security officials were aware of the decision and could offer similar heavy-lift helicopters for the Philippine military, Mr. Lorenzana said. — Reuters