Russian ships in Manila for 3-day visit

MANILA, Philippines – A fleet of Russian navy ships arrived on Tuesday, January 31, for a 3-day goodwill visit, in a bid to strengthen military relations between the two navies.

Admiral Panteleev (anti-submarine ship), Boris Butoma (large sea tanker) and Fotiy Krylov (rescue tug) were formally welcomed into the country’s territorial waters through a “meeting procedure” off the coast of Corregidor Island at around 7am.

Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Emilio Jacinto, a patrol vessel of the Philippine Navy, was designated the receiving ship during the ceremony.

A “meeting procedure” is an internationally-observed naval tradition where the host ship meets the visiting ship/s and escorts them to their port of call.

Navy spokesman Lt Col Omar Tonsay said the visit is aimed at enhancing understanding and cooperation between the Russian and Philippine Navies, as well as promote a unified effort in responding towards terrorism, piracy and transnational crime.

A ceremony at Pier 15, South Harbor was led by Philippine Navy Capt. Omar Anicete, Director of the Naval Operations Center, who welcomed Captain I Rank Nikolay Saprikin, Senior Commanding on the Cruise of the Russian Navy.

The Russian Navy delegation also held courtesy calls at Philippine Navy and the Manila Police District headquarters. They are also set to visit historical sites in Manila, play a friendly football match with Filipino navy players and participate in a shipboard tour of the Philippine Navy ships at Pier 15.

The goodwill visit ends on Thursday, February 2. – Rappler.com