Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khavaev.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said, Russia is open to supplying firearms to the Philippines once President Rodrigo Duterte formally makes a request.

But the ambassador clarified that his country will not form a military alliance with the Philippines because they do not want to interfere with the issues it faces with other countries.

It can be recalled that the president expressed tirades against the United States when the latter withdrew its supply of weapons to the Philippines.

“Kaya sabi ko, ‘Obama, you can go to hell.’ Tapos ngayon, sabi nila, ayaw nilang magpabili ng baril. Eh bakit? Kayo lang ba ang marunong gumawa ng baril? Eh sa Danao marami eh. Pagawa na ako doon or I’ll go to Russia kasi kaibigan ko na si Putin eh,” Duterte said.

(So I said, ‘Obama, you can go to hell.’ They didn’t want to sell firearms to us. In Danao, there are a lot. I will go for Danao or I’ll go to Russia because I am now friends with Putin.)

READ: Duterte to open alliance with China and Russia

Khovaev said, they will not hesitate to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines in acquiring modern firearms that they can use in their operations.

They are also ready to provide trainings and assistance to Filipino soldiers.

Meanwhile, Khovaev believes that this is the start of a strengthened relationship between Russia and the Philippines especially when Pres. Duterte visits Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. — Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue

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