President Rodrigo Duterte is now on his return trip to the Philippines.
He cut short his official visit to Russia, following the violence in Marawi City and his subsequent declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.
Duterte left Moscow at 6:36 am Manila time.
Before this, he was able to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at about 11 pm Russia time.
(Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the Kremlin in Moscow late Tuesday Russia time May 23, 2017. Photo credits: Maxim Shemetow/Pool/AFP)
The two leaders talked about the security situation in Mindanao.
Duterte also explained to Putin why he had to go home immediately.
The Philippine leader apologized to Putin that their bilateral talks were suddenly cancelled following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.
'I am returning home to be with my people. I will deal with the situation when I arrive. I am sad but I am happy about the last-minute meeting. I was able to communicate with Putin all that I wanted to tell him. It was for almost an hour. Positive naman ang response (the response was positive)."
Duterte had relayed to Putin the Philippine government's request for soft loans from Russia.
This is to enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to sustain the war against terrorism.
Putin, for his part, told Duterte that he understood the situation.
He also said he hopes the conflict in the southern part of the Philippines will be resolved soon.
Putin also expressed optimism that Russia and the Philippines will be able to boost their energy, trade and military cooperation.
Prior to the events in Marawi City, Duterte had planned to stay in Russia for one week.
He is expected to arrive in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.
"I will be harsh," Duterte warned the local terrorists in Mindanao as he boarded the plane that would fly him back to Manila.
