Russian ships visit to PHL the third time around -- PN

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 3): Russian ships visit to PHL the third time around -- PN

The arrival of the Udaloy-class destroyer/large anti-submarine ship, Admiral Tributs and the Boris Chilikin-class fleet oiler, Boris Butoma on Monday marks the the third time Russian naval vessels have paid a goodwill visit to the country.

This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a statement Tuesday.

The two ships, headed by Russia Pacific Fleet flotilla deputy commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, will stay in the country until Saturday.

The first visit took place in January 2012 when the Admiral Panteleyev, an anti-submarine destroyer; Boris Butoma, the above-mentioned tanker; and Fotiy Krylov, a rescue tug were also welcomed at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

The second visit took place in May 2016 when the Marshall Gelovani, a hydrographic vessel, also berthed in South Harbor, Manila for resupply and replenishment.

Lincuna said the BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11) rendered customary meeting procedures at the vicinity of Corregidor Island, and escorted the Russian vessels to its designated berthing area.

PN delegates accorded the visiting naval units a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a port briefing for security and health aboard one of the Russian Navy vessels.

The goodwill visit include series of confidence building engagements between PN and Russian Navy personnel such as courtesy call to PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Roland Joseph Mercado by the Russian Ambassador to the Philippines, Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev; and Mikhailov together with the ship’s commanding officers.

Likewise, tour to historical places within Manila and Cavite area, wreath laying ceremony, capability demonstration, open house to all civilians, shipboard tour aboard Russian vessels, receptions, goodwill games, and send-off ceremony were also scheduled.

"This visit by Russian Navy and the fitting reception bestowed by PN will foster goodwill which will contribute in the furtherance of friendship of PN and Russian Navy, and enhance the maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," Lincuna added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=952447