The Philippines is prepared to open its facilities to the United States, should the conflict in Ukraine escalate and America was dragged into the crisis, the country’s ambassador to the U.S. said Thursday.

Jose Manuel Romualdez said President Rodrigo Duterte told him in a recent meeting in Manila to let Washington know that the Philippines would back the U.S. on the Ukraine crisis.

“He says if they’re asking for the support of the Philippines, it’s very clear that of course, if push comes to shove. The Philippines will be ready to be part of the effort, especially if this Ukrainian crisis spills over to the Asian region,” said Mr Romualdez. “The president offered that the Philippines would be ready to open its doors, especially to our ally, the U.S., in using our facilities, any facilities they may need.”

Among the facilities that the U.S. forces would be allowed to access were the former American air and naval bases in the northern Philippines, he said.

Russian troops attacked Ukraine on February 24, drawing international condemnation, warnings, and sanctions.

Mr Duterte has cultivated closer ties with the U.S. rivals, Russia and China since he became president in 2016.

Mr Romualdez said the president was aware that what was happening right now in Ukraine was something that should not have happened because it was unprovoked.

The Philippines also has a mutual defence treaty with the U.S., which binds the two allies to come to each other’s aid in cases of aggression. 

(dpa/NAN)