China Donates 47 Brand New Heavy Equipment for Faster Marawi Rehabilitation, No Conditions Attached

The Chinese government has donated 47 brand new pieces of construction equipment to the Philippines to help the rehabilitation of Marawi City, which was heavily destroyed during the battle of government forces and the terrorist Maute group. But contrary to what many Filipinos especially those who are against China, the donations have no conditions attached.



"No strings attached, no preconditions attached, this is an act of friendship, this is an act of good neighborliness. This is an act of supporting President Duterte in the fight against terrorism but also in the reconstruction of Marawi," Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said in his speech during the handover ceremony held in the Port of Manila.

“Let me take the opportunity to congratulate the Philippine government, the AFP in particular, on a victory in your anti-terror campaign in Marawi. Plus through your determination, bravery, gallantry, combat capabilities you have proved it again that terrorism can be defeated and will be defeated,” he added.

These donations from China arrived at the port of Iligan last October 9, or a week before government forces killed Maute Group leader Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf subleader Isnilon Hapilon. Nevertheless, it was only last Tuesday, October 23 that they were formally received by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

The 47 brand new brand new equipment, which are part of China’s Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Program to the Philippines, cost P155 million (or around $3 million). These include eight each of hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and cement mixers, based on the documents shown to media that day.



“Words cannot express Ambassador our thanks. Truly we are appreciative that you have given us the support. Our president is very thankful. The whole government and all people are thankful,” Villar said, adding that the donations served as a new hallmark of the strong levels of support, collaboration, and cooperation between China and the Philippines.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao