Duterte doffs hat to US, China for aid in Marawi siege

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday acknowledged the assistance provided by treaty ally United States to quell the pro-ISIS Maute group in Marawi City.

Duterte also recognized the support that he said was given by new allies Russia and China.

“Let us give where credit is due. The United States helped the Armed Forces in this fight and China committed and delivered a lot of firearms for us, mga sniper,” he told the Filipino-American tourists during the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour Philippine reception in Davao City.

He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin also pledged aid.

“I don’t know about Russia, but Putin sabi niya tutulong siya. Welcome ko lahat iyan,” Duterte said.

The President claimed the assistance came with no strings attached.

US provided technical support to the troops on the ground and China provided arms and ammunition worth P370 million.

Both countries also pledged help for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

But Duterte also recalled how the administration of former US President Barack Obama publicly called him out on policy.

“[Obama] talked publicly about me, and how I run this country. Sabi ko sa kanya, these are may exact words, para wala kayong—‘p— ina ka, l— ka. Do not tell me what to do, and do not just—you know—giving me admonition. I am not a federal postal employee, so if you want something, go to the United Nations, miyembro man kaya tayo. Then, you can talk there until kingdom come and file a case against me,’” he said. 

“Tapos pumunta ako sa China. Pagkatapos last year, man of the year ako, ‘t— ina. Simple. If I have committed a wrong before your eyes, your estimation, that is your problem. I have my problems to solve,” he said. —NB, GMA News