Duterte to NPA : Mayroon akong attack helicopters, kayo pagpraktisan ko!

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was the guest of honor when the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted the destruction of captured, confiscated, surrendered and recovered weapons from the Maute terrorists during five (5) month Marawi siege crisis.

The demilitarization ceremony was held at the Philippine Army Headquarters Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  Almost 700 weapons recovered from the Islamic State inspired extremists were destroyed by the Philippine Army.

A road roller vehicle flattened machine guns, squad automatic weapons, rifle propelled grenade launchers, sniper rifles, M16 rifles, shotguns and airguns. They were then cut into pieces using a metal bond circular saw. *

UH-1Y Venom and AH-IZ Viper attack helicopter, used for illustration purposes only (photo credit to owner)

“The demilitarization of the... enemy weapons aims to demonstrate the government’s resolve to fight and defeat terrorism in the country,” Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said in a statement.

“The weapons were destroyed to ensure that these can be rendered ineffective for use as a component or a complete firearm,” he added. 

The military said all destroyed firearms will later be burned. Metal residues and scrap will be properly kept for final disposal in accordance with the Armed Forces’ policies and directives, Tiongson said.

The President earlier said almost 2,000 weapons were seized in more than 800 armed encounters under the leadership of then Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año.

Duterte witnessed the destruction of the Marawi firearms just as Congress approved his request to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year. ( abs-cbn website)

 Use of Attack Helicopters

During the speech of the President , he made it sure that the terror group New People’s Army will hear him loud and clear.

“Mayroon akong attack helicopters. Kayo pagpraktisan ko. Patayan pala gusto niyo,”

Last month the President in his speech at the Philippine Army headquarters also in Taguig made the promise he will buy 23 attack helicopters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It was also during that speech he reiterated that he would not purchase second-hand equipment for the government troops.  *

"So lahat nang bibilhin ko para sa inyo, puro bago. Wala ng purchases ang --- sa panahon ko, ‘yung Armed Forces pati police na secondhand. Bago lahat at gagastos tayo," he said.

The president early this month issued a proclamation classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army as terrorists after the peace talks with the government panel failed.

 

report from PDI