The Philippine defence chief said Thursday that the military won't use 16 helicopters being bought from Canada to attack insurgents, as feared by Canadian officials, who ordered a review of the multimillion-dollar deal. Designated as a "combat utility helicopter," the aircraft is a utility helicopter and "contrary to what some parties mistakenly believe, its mission is to save lives," he said. The Philippine military has assault helicopters but the new Bell 412EPIs would not be armed, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, shown in this 2017 file photo, said the helicopters will ferry supplies and troops, including those wounded in combat, and respond to disasters. (Erik De Castro/Reuters)Nearly 4,000 mostly poor drug suspects have been killed in clashes with police, according to police officials, who say the suspects resisted violently.

Source: CBC News February 09, 2018 00:45 UTC