Human-rights concerns loom over sale of Canadian helicopters to the Philippines
OTTAWA — The Canadian government is facilitating the sale of 16 helicopters to the Philippine military, which human rights groups have accused of killing civilians and committing other atrocities while waging a war on two rebel groups.
The Canadian Commercial Corp., whose role includes selling military goods to other countries on behalf of the government, says the Philippines agreed to buy the Canadian-made Bell helicopters at the end of December.
The Crown corporation would not reveal any other details about the deal, citing commercial confidentiality, but media reports say the Philippines government set aside nearly $300 million for the purchase.
The deal represents another win for the Canadian defence industry when it comes to the Southeast Asian nation; Canada also sold eight Bell helicopters made in Montreal to the Philippine armed forces in 2015.