Philippines cancels order for 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the cancellation of a $233.36 million deal to buy 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters from Canada.

By John Davies – CYOW Airport Watch [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

The deal was signed on Feb. 6 but three days later, Duterte reversed the decision after Ottawa had raised concerns that the helicopters will be used to fight rebels in the country.

Canada’s International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the understanding was that the helicopters are being used for search-and-rescue missions.