Russia sends two warships to Manila for drills with Philippines

Russia sent two warships to the Philippines to participate in naval drills as President Rodrigo Duterte's relations with the U.S. becomes increasingly strained.


The Admiral Tributs, an anti-submarine destroyer, and sea tanker Boris Butoma arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit to show off the ships' anti-terrorism capabilities and conduct talks, Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of the flotilla of the Russia's Pacific Fleet, said at a news conference.

"We did not have problems dealing with other countries or their vessels like that of the United States or China," Mikhailov said. "We operated on a high level of friendly cooperation."

He said "the biggest problem now in the world is terrorism and piracy" and the exercises "will show you what we can do and we will see what you can do."

Mikhailov said Russia is willing to train the Philippines military how to stop Islamist militants from abducting tugboat crews.

It's the first official contact between naval units from the Philippines and Russia.
 [upi.com]
3/1/17
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