PH military observers to be deployed to Russia

This comes after Russian defense officials extended an invitiation to the Philippines during the visit of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s to Moscow last week. (PNA File Photo)

MANILA — Military observers might be deployed to Russia next year to determine what kind of training exercises Filipino troops can participate in.

This comes after Russian defense officials extended an invitiation to the Philippines during the visit of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s to Moscow last week.

“Inimbita tayo (We were invited), taon-taon meron silang ginagawang (they have an annual) Army training, meron silang (they have) Special Forces (and) Ranger training, shooting, meron pa nga culinary exhibition sila eh, mga pagluluto (they even have culinary exhibition, cooking activities),” Lorenzana said.

In line with this invitation, the DND chief said it is likely that observers will be deployed to Russia to witness trainings and determine which are apt for Filipino troops.

“Siguro (Maybe) next year, magpadala tayo ng observer(s) muna (upang malaman) kung talaga bang kailangan natin yung training (at) marami naman tayong matututuhan sa kanila (we will send observers first to determine whether we need these types of training and also to learn from them),” Lorenzana added.

The DND chief visited Moscow on the invitation of Russian Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergey Shoygu.

Lorenzana left for Russia last Aug.

16 and arrived in the Philippines on August 24.

The defense chief said he met with Shoygu last Aug. 21 at the Army Forum and Exhibition.

Last Aug. 22, Lorenzana also had a short meeting ith Deputy Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin at the Ministry of Defense building.

“Napag-usapan namin ang (We spoke about) military-to-military relations, palitan ng mga sundalo sa (exchange of soldiers for) military training, port visits of (Philippine) Navy ships to Vladivostok, participation in military exercises,” Lorenzana earlier said.