Russian warships in Manila as Philippines, US hold joint drills

MANILA, Philippines — Three warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet docked at the Manila South Harbor on Monday for a five-day goodwill visit.

The Philippine Navy welcomed Russian anti-submarine ships Admiral Tributs and Vinogradov, as well as sea tanker Irkut. This visit coincides with the annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.

This would be the second visit of Russian warships this year following the first batch in January.

In January, guided missile cruiser Admiral Varyag, anti-submarine ship Admiral Panteleev and large sea tanker Boris Botuma visited Manila for a goodwill visit.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. went aboard the Varyag for a tour of the warship.

The visit of the Russian warships reciprocates last year's visit of the Philippine Navy's BRP Tarlac to Russia's Pacific Fleet headquarters in Vladivostok.

Last week, the Philippines and the US launched the annual Balikatan exercises, which focuses on territorial defense and counterterrorism this year.

This year's joint military exercises feature the largest combined forces in the past years with 4,000 Filipinos, 3,000 Americans and 50 Australians.

Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam also sent their delegations for the joint military exercises as observers. — Patricia Lourdes Viray