A Russian warship (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Three Russian warships, including twoanti-submarines, docked at a port in the Manila capital city of the Philippinesto deliver weaponry and military vehicles donated to the country as part of thenew defence relations of the two nations.
This is the third port visit of the Russian ships to the Philippinesthis year. According to the Philippine and Russian navies, the vessels carried5,000 assault rifles, one million cartridge belts and 200 military vans.
Russian Deputy Commander of Flotilla of the Pacific Fleet Rear AdmiralEduard Mikhailov said that the two countries will do their best to make thisport call a significant contribution to the bilateral ties in the interests ofsecurity and stability in the region.
Earlier, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on October 11 announcedthat Russia would provide defence equipment to support the Philippinemilitary’s fight against pro-Islamic State militants on the southern island ofMindanao.
Duterte said the military needed to be properly equipped to handleIslamic State loyalists who had established a dangerous foothold in Mindanao.
Clashes between the Philippine Government’s troops and IS militants overthe past five months have left more than 800 people dead and forced over500,000 civilians to flee.
The Philippines and Russia are expected to sign a deal on militarylogistics next week.-VNA
VNA
