The Department of National Defense (DND) is considering getting some of the Mi-17 transport helicopters already manufactured in Russia in exchange for the P1.9-billion advance payment in the P12.7-billion chopper deal that was canceled near the end of the Duterte administration. Speaking to senators on Tuesday, Erik Lawrence Dy, the DND chief for legal and legislative affairs, said it was one of the options floated during internal discussions on the matter. But he clarified that DND officials had yet to formally meet with Russian counterparts to discuss the withdrawal of the P12.7-billion contract. "We are currently negotiating (for the return of the down payment) but one...Keep on reading: How to save P1.9-B downpayment in shelved Russian chopper deal?