Duterte asks Russia to be Philippine ally and protector

Russias Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov (R) leads the way as he guides Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (2nd L) onboard the Russian anti-submarine navy ship Admiral Tributs in Manila on January 6, 2017.The Russian Navy said on January 3 it was planning to hold war games with the Philippines, as two of its ships made a rare stop in Manila following Filipino President Rodrigo Dutertes pivot from the United States. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Noel CELIS

MANILA: With Cabinet officials in tow, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte toured the Admiral Tributs, a Russian antisubmarine vessel that together with a sea tanker, the Boris Butoma, is on a goodwill visit to Manila.

“We welcome our Russian friends. Anytime you want to dock here for anything, for play, for replenishing of supplies or maybe our ally to protect us,” Duterte said while shaking hands with Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of the Flotilla of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet.