(Eagle News) — Malacanang said the Philippine government has a ready protocol for evacuation of Filipinos in South Korea in case tensions escalate in the Korean peninsula.
The announcement came about as North Korea declared a quasi-state of war at its border with South Korea.
Malacanang continues to call for the deescalation of tension in the Korean peninsula to prevent any incident that may threaten regional stability.
A senior Palace official hoped for restraint on both North and South Korea so that tensions would not escalate.
“We continue to call for restraint on both sides to prevent any undue incident that can quickly escalate,” said Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail in an interview over government-run radio DZBB on Saturday
As to the response of the government in case there is a need to evacuate Filipino citizens from South Korea, Valte said there is a ready and active protocol that the government can carry out.
The government has plans in place back in 2011, early on in President Aquino’s term, when there was also a similar exchange of fires between the two Koreas.
“And na-activate naman natin agad ang ating evacuation protocols for our OFWs. Thankfully at that time, it did not need to be executed. It served as a practice also on our part,” she said.
“Kumbaga, talagang nakita natin ang weaknesses at nagawan natin ng paraan at in place na ito. It is just a matter of activating the protocol.”
The Philippines has a big population in South Korea, and the country’s embassy led by Ambassador Raul Hernandez is already on alert and is keeping their ears on the ground to see what the developments are.
Among the Filipino professionals present in South Korea include teachers, professors, as well as religious groups, Valte said noting that these Filipinos are very active and in touch with the Philippine embassy.
“I have seen their good coordination. So our first advice to them would be to follow the information that is disseminated to you by the embassy and to strictly adhere to these reminders because these reminders are also for our safety,” Valte said.
Both Koreas have exchanged fire near the border after two South Korean soldiers were injured by landmines allegedly planted by North Korean soldiers. The North Koreans denied the allegations. (with a PND report)
