RUSSIA has donated defense equipment to the Philippines during its third goodwill visit to the country under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte led the turnover rites of Russia's military armament at Port of Manila on Wednesday morning.
The weaponry donated to the Philippine troops were shipped through Russia's large anti-submarine ship "Admiral Pantaleev" docked at Pier 15, Port of Manila.
In the acceptance certificate signed by Russia and the Philippines, around 20 military vehicles, 5,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles, a million rounds of ammunition, and 5,000 steel helmets were granted to the Philippine troops.
The acceptance certificate was signed by Defense Undersecretary Raymundo Elefante and Major General Aleksandr Kshimovskiy, chief of Russian Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation.
Duterte has sought to veer away from the United States and bolster ties with Russia and China.
Russia's military equipment followed China's donation of over 6,000 assault rifles and 100 sniper rifles to the Philippines.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that weapons, which were provided by Russia "at no cost," would help the Philippines counterinsurgency.
Prior to the turn-over ceremony, Duterte had a tour of Admiral Pantaleev warship.
The Russian Navy presented its firearms and artillery during the President's inspection of the anti-submarine vessel.
Admiral Pantaleev, along with Russian anti-submarine ship Admiral Vinogradov and sea tanker Boris Butoma will stay in the country until October 26.
The goodwill visit also coincided with the official visit to the Philippines of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shogyu, who participated in the 4th Association of Southeast Asean Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus. (SunStar Philippines)