President Duterte Visits Russian Warhip Docked in Manila

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte today visited a Russian warship docked at the Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor Port in the city.

The afternoon visit by the President aboard the Admiral Tribute demonstrated the Philippines’ determination to forge closer ties with Russia.

The two Russian warships are on four-day goodwill visit to Manila this week, the first official navy-to-navy contact between the two countries. Mr. Duterte is welcomed by Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev, other Russian navy officials in his tour of the Russian warship. During his guided tour, the President held his signature clenched fist while standing on a hanging platform aboard the war vessel.

The Russian Navy warship Admiral Tributs—an anti-submarine warfare destroyer originally built for the Soviet Navy—has in its arsenal the KA-32 anti-submarine helicopter, anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers. It is named after Soviet naval commander and Admiral Vladimir Filippovich Tributs.

The President is accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)