PH asks ‘sobrierty’, ‘self-restraint’ in Russia-Turkey conflict

The Philippine Flag / Wikipedia Photo

Manila—The Philippines on Wednesday released a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) where they expressed concerns over the dispute between Russia and Turkey when the latter shot down a Russian aircraft.

“The situation is being closely monitored. We appeal for calm sobriety and self-restraint by all parties concerned,” the DFA was quoted a saying in a Philippine Star report.

Turkey downed a Russian warplane on Tuesday as it has reportedly ignored repeated warnings and crossed its airspace. Two pilots were dead in the incident.

“We urge all parties to immediately enhance their coordination to avoid such incidents in the future,” the DFA said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the downing of the Russian warplane was a “stab in the back.” Putin warned Turkey of “significant consequences.”

The incident was the first time in fifty years that a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization downed a Russian plane.