Philippines calls for sobriety, self-restraint between Russia, Turkey

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines on Wednesday expressed concern over the reported downing of a Russian aircraft by Turkey.

"The situation is being closely monitored. We appeal for calm sobriety and self-restraint by all parties concerned," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Turkey shot down a Russian warplane on Tuesday, citing that it ignored repeated warnings and crossed its airspace from Syria. This resulted to the death of at least of the two pilots.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the incident, dubbing it as a "stab in the back" and warned of "significant consequences."

The incident is the first time in half a century that a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has downed a Russian plane. This prompted an emergency meeting of the alliance.

"As we have repeatedly made clear we stand in solidarity with Turkey and support the territorial integrity of our NATO ally, Turkey," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference after the meeting of the alliance's decision-making North Atlantic Council, called at Turkey's request. - Patricia Lourdes Viray with reports from Associated Press

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