3 Russian Navy ships berth at Manila port

Russian anti-submarine navy vessels Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Vinogradov. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

Three Russian Navy vessels docked at the Manila South Harbor on Friday morning for a six-day goodwill visit.

The three vessels, Admiral Panteleyev (548), Admiral Vinogradov (572), and Boris Butoma (large sea tanker) were escorted by BRP Rajah Humabon (PS11) at Corregidor Island before securing anchors at Pier 15.

The fleet’s visit is in connection with the handover of special military equipment donated by Russia to the Philippines.

This is the third time that the Russian Navy visited the Philippines under the Duterte administration, amid strengthened ties between the two nations.

Deputy Commander of Flotilla of the Pacific Fleet Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov said the visit aims to enhance the naval cooperation between Russia and the Philippines.

Part of their activities included shipboard tours, goodwill games, and wreath-laying ceremony at Luneta Park, the Russian navy official noted.

The port call came as Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoyguto is expected to participate at the 4th Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Clark next week. /kga

Admiral Vinogradov (572) – one of the three Russian Navy vessels – which docked at the Manila South Harbor on Friday for a six-day goodwill visit. This is the third time the Russian Navy made a port call in Manila under the Duterte administration. INQUIRER.net / Frances G. Mangosing