When yesterday the terrorists of IGIL attacked the island of Mindanao and almost captured the city of Maravi, it became clear that the visit of the representative Philippine delegation to Russia ended. Vladimir Putin went to meet the guest and immediately returned from Krasnodar to Moscow. Negotiations of the two leaders began late in the evening with the Russian president's condolences to his colleague and ended at 02:00.

Needless to say, the reason is more than respectful. There was even a conspiracy version - they say, the terrorist attacks of Islamists were inspired from outside to prevent the strengthening of Russian-Philippine relations. So it was or not, while it is difficult to say confidently, but the attack on Maravi, the administrative center of South Lanao, was chosen not by accident - the province enters the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where five percent of the Filipino population practicing Islam live. Several centuries ago, Mindanao was an independent country ruled by the sultans. 16 noble families still unofficially retain their power, which Manila naturally does not recognize.

Almost all the other inhabitants of the Philippines are Christian Catholics. It is not surprising that sparks are constantly being cut between different religions, even though the Muslims live more or less compactly on a separate island.

As it usually happens, not all of them swore allegiance to IGIL. However, a relatively small group of extremists is enough to keep in fear more moderate coreligionists and to challenge the capital. "The units of the IGSF have occupied the province, and there are still clashes, fighting. I, unfortunately, need to fly there and be there, "- briefly described to Vladimir Putin the situation in Rodrigo Duteret's homeland.

Many noticed that he was focused and serious. What is understandable - Mindanao declared martial law, which, according to local politicians, could drag on for a year. One of the main goals of the visit is to agree on the supply of Russian arms to fight terrorists. In the US, as in general in the countries of the West, Dutterte does not want to buy anything else. He in general seems to have beaten pots with Europe and America and reoriented to China and Russia.

But is it really so?.

The outrageously Filipino president never climbed into his pocket for the word. Not when he insulted Barack Obama, demanding respect for himself, or when he crumbled in compliments to Vladimir Putin. But it is his eccentricity, multiplied by a demonstrative change in the development vectors of the country, raises suspicions that just as quickly he can return the Philippines to the previous rails.

For understandable reasons, Dutherte causes us sympathy - we love resolute heads of state who have challenged the brash global hegemon with its double standards. The president, who declared the total war of drug trafficking, and therefore, daily risking his own life for the sake of the future prosperity of his homeland, is undoubtedly worthy of support, not condemnation. Even despite the casualties among civilians, which, unfortunately, happens during the fighting. And we support it mentally, although somewhere in the depths of our soul we understand that the order to destroy drug couriers without a trial and investigation will sooner or later lead, and maybe already leads to police arbitrariness.

In the end, the current Asian lights of democracy like Singapore or South Korea also began with a rigid dictatorship. It is possible, Rodrigo Duterte tried on the role of dictator, taking advantage of the experience of neighbors precisely in order to cleanse the country of crime, turn the Philippines into a chain of paradise islands in the ocean. For a wonderful future, all means are good.

Today he has entered the warpath with Islamic terrorists and causes us even more sympathy. We also experience similar problems.

And yet, do not forget that the Philippines, like many other countries, often strengthen ties with Russia and China to cause jealousy of the United States and bargain for themselves better conditions. Duterte, for example, does not hide that territorial disputes with the Middle Kingdom postponed until better times - he believes that today it is expedient to establish economic and economic cooperation with an economically powerful neighbor. "We will not talk about the islands now, later. Because now everyone is trying to snatch a piece of property, but you need to calm down. When the time comes, the negotiations will resume, "the president of the Philippines promised..

That is, on the subject of Washington, which is constantly initiating tension around the South China Sea, Manila does not go. As, however, and the rest of the capital of the region.

However, everything can change, it is worth to Donald Trump to take Philippine issues with understanding, to support at least in words the efforts of Rodrigo Duteret to restore order in his country. Apparently, the Filipino loves, when his country and his personally respect the strengths of this world. Therefore, you should not count on long-term political interaction and consider Dutherte as your boyfriend just because he several times adequately responded to the attacks of the American president. He has his own power, for him it is important that her interests are respected.

But we do not need a military alliance with the Philippines - it will only cause tension in relations with China and the United States. It is advantageous for Russia to increase trade with this country, as with other ASEAN countries, no more than. While it leaves much to be desired - last year our exports amounted to 150 million dollars, and imports - 300. Turnover decreased by a quarter. A representative delegation, brought to Moscow by the Philippine president, was to begin negotiations not only about buying weapons, helicopters, planes, which in itself is not bad, but also about cooperation in energy and oil production.

While negotiations are stopped for objective reasons. However, it is unlikely that the fight against terror or drug trafficking will hamper the development of Russian-Philippine trade and economic ties. For us, they are more important today than political alliances.