Duterte to hold ‘special meeting’ to discuss Russia-Ukraine crisis

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will hold a “special meeting” with the military, police and some Cabinet members to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

He said the meeting will also be joined by some businessmen and civilians.

“I will be calling for a special meeting, we will discuss about what is evolving, what is happening in Europe. Gusto kong makinig kayo kung gaano kaimportante na malaman natin ang lahat, itong nangyayari ngayon,” he said in a taped briefing aired on Tuesday morning.

(I want you to listen to how important it is for you to know what is happening now.)

Duterte said he designates Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles to be the “sole spokesman” to discuss the outcome of the said meeting.

“It will be a combination of the military, the police, and the civilian, plus some Cabinet members — not all of them but everybody is invited,” he said.

So that we can have an exchange of ideas between the military and police on one hand and tayong mga negosyante so that we can come up with a sensible front on how to handle this thing,” the President added.

He urged the public to look out for the release of the discussion in the meeting, saying Filipinos for now do not yet have a “good grasp” on the situation.

Russian forces have invaded and attacked Ukraine. 

The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations resolution expressing “explicit condemnation” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

JPV