The Russians are coming – again

Photo opportunity knocks Not one but three Russian naval ships will pay a port call in Manila for a five-day goodwill visit starting today. FILE PHOTO

Manila will play host to three Russian naval vessels today until 11 January at Pier 9, South Harbor, according to Philippine Navy (PN) spokesman Commander Jonathan Zata.

The anti-submarine ship Admiral Pantellev, the guided missile cruiser Varyag and the sea tanker Boris Botuma will dock at approximately 7:30 a.m. today for the five-day goodwill visit.

The Pantellev is returning, along with the Varyag and the Botuma, in response to a visit of a Philippine naval ship to Russia.

The BRP Tarlac (LD-601) became the first PN ship last October to make a port visit to Vladivostok, Russia. It carried a 300-member contingent from the various services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the six-day visit, the PN contingent toured a Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine and was given a chance to inspect a Russian marine firing range.

“The welcome ceremony and port briefing will be conducted upon arrival of the Russian vessels after a customary meeting procedure with the designated PN vessel at the vicinity of Corregidor Island,” Zata said.

In October 2017, thousands of assault rifles, helmets and some military trucks were donated by the Russian government to the Philippines during a visit of Russian ships to Manila.

President Rodrigo Duterte personally received the 5,000 AK-47 rifles and 5,000 steel helmets on board the Admiral Pantellev. A million rounds of ammunition for the Kalashnikov rifles were also donated by Russia, along with 20 army trucks.

The Philippines has expressed interest in buying both Chinese and Russian arms as President Duterte has cultivated warmer relations with the two countries.

Moscow has been offering to sell arms to the Philippines since the mid-1990s, a top defense official had said during the turnover of the donated weapons.

“They were willing to barter guns for bananas,” the official said.