Russia commits support for Philippine counterterrorism efforts

MANILA, Philippines — Russia has committed anew its support to help the Philippines in the fight against terrorism, following recent attacks in Jolo and other parts of Mindanao.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo yesterday said Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev reiterated his country’s condolences for the deaths in the twin explosions in Jolo and condemned the incident.

“Khovaev reaffirmed his country’s commitment to help our nation combat terrorism during a meeting with President Duterte the other day,” Panelo said.

Khovaev also renewed Russia’s commitment to strengthen cooperation to help the Philippine national defense improve its capabilities.

He boosted an earlier promise that Russia intends to build a long-term relationship with the Philippines based on trust and confidence.

In response, Panelo said Duterte reaffirmed the importance placed by the Philippines on its relations with Russia and renewed commitment to further expand and deepen the Philippines’ cooperative ties with Russia.

“The President also thanked the Russian ambassador for the expression of sympathy for the lives lost in Jolo and underscored that the Philippines values its relations with countries that share the commitment to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” Panelo said.

Khovaev’s courtesy call on the President came a few days after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed sympathies for the families of those killed in the Jolo blasts.

Also on Thursday, Duterte met with Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz, who relayed his country’s condolences to the families of the blast victims.

Harpaz reported to the President that Israel had already ratified the agreements on more job openings for Filipinos in Israel, particularly caregivers and those working in the hotel industry.

Such a positive development is a direct result of Duterte’s historic visit to Israel, Panelo said. 

Harpaz also expressed hope in forging greater Philippine-Israel cooperation in the industries of agriculture and trade.

New appointees

Meanwhile, the President has reappointed former police general Noe Wong as ambassador to South Korea following his stint as ambassador to Cambodia.

Former Manila representative and businessman Ramon Bagatsing Jr. was also appointed as ambassador to Nepal.

Another retired police general, Gilbert Sosa, who once headed the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Crime Group, was designated as assistant secretary in the Office of the President.

Malacañang also released the appointment papers of Kenny Tan as Director IV at the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; Andrew Ambubuyong as Director IV and Mari-Flor Libang as Director III, both of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.