PH Navy mulling participation in the fleet review in Russia »Manila Newsletter News

By Francis Wakefield

Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad, Philippine Navy Chief, Revealed on Sunday, May 1, 2011

Empedrad confirmed that Russia has felt to invite the Philippines to attend the event in St. Petersburg next May.

"Next year, magkaroon ulit ng (there will be another) international fleet review sa (in) Russia. That will be in St. Petersburg if they are sent to us, "he said.

However, the Navy Chief said the Philippines' participation in the event hosted by Russia depends on several factors.

"So we are studying that kung kaya, kung merong magandang condition, maipa-condition nating barko (if the condition is good, we need the ship to be in good condition) it's possible to send ship for the exercise. Tignan natin (Let's see), "he added.

Earlier. Empedrad said to be more important than any other country in the world in 2019 following BRP Tarlac 's (LD601) successful historic visits in Vladivostok, Russia and in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea (ROK) last October.

Empedrad made the insurance as the Philippine Navy (PN) rendered an arrival ceremony for the 300-man contingent onboard BRP Tarlac (LD601) following its arrival at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

"With the outstanding accomplishment that you have performed, I would like to make sure that you are doing so by the PN particularly next year," Empedrad said.

"As we modernize the Philippine Navy, what we have shown is that we are now demonstrating that we are becoming more and more important. that our maritime nation will be proud of, "he added.

Empedrad also assured that it has the capability to Russia, but also to China and to Hawaii, USA for more visits.

"Meron naman tayong (We have the) capability. We have seven capable ships to China, to Russia, can go to Hawaii. So if invited by the Russian Federation, we will surely send ships anytime, "Empedrad said.

RP-Russia meet

The Joint Working Group (JWG) has been convened for the second time in Moscow, Russia last Wednesday in accordance with the 2017 Agreement on Defense Cooperation between the National Defense Department (DND) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of the Russian Federation.

The JWG serves as a platform for both countries to discuss military-to-military commitments or activities for both countries. For the second JWG meeting, the two countries finalized the Plan of Military Cooperation Activities.

The plan consists of activities, engagements, consultations, consultations, consultations, consultations, consultations, reciprocal visits of delegations and observers for military training activities, and education and training exchanges.

Relatedly, the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defense Cooperation was also signed during the meeting.

The Philippine side was headed by Asec Teodoro Cirilo T. Torralba III, Assistant Secretary for Assessments and International Affairs, while Col. Maxim Vladimirovich Penkin, Head of the 5th Department of the Main Directorate of the International Military Cooperation, led the Russian side.