Duterte acknowledges help from U.S., China in Marawi siege

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — "Let us give credit where credit is due."

This was what President Rodrigo Duterte said when he acknowledged on Friday that the United States helped local government forces in Marawi against the terror Maute Group.

"The United States helped the Armed Forces in this fight," Duterte said at the 11th Ambassadors' Tour Philippine reception in Davao City.

The President then mentioned the first batch of firearms and ammunition that China delivered late last month.

"I don't know about Russia but Putin, sabi niya tutulong siya (he said he would also help)."

Related: Duterte thanks China for firearms, ammo vs Mautes

Duterte said neither Chinese President Xi Jinping Russian President Vladimir Putin had mentioned that they would ask something in return for their help.

"Walang attachment diyan. Walang head of state, si Putin o si President Xi Jinping magsabi, 'O, bigyan kita but you should be loyal.'"

[Translation: No attachments. Putin or Xi did not say, 'I would give you this but you should be loyal.']

The chief executive also talked about his staple topics: his fight against corruption and illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, during the first few minutes of the President's speech, it could be seen that the presidential seal on the podium was upside down. Later, the camera zoomed in to the President.