Pinoys in South Korea on heightened alert – DFA

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos in South Korea are on “heightened alert” and are advised to be ready for possible evacuation in the event of an escalation of tensions in the region, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

“The embassy is also coordinating with Filipino community leaders on steps to be taken in case escalation of tensions warrants an evacuation,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez told The STAR in a text message.

He said the Philippine embassy in Seoul is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the US Forces in South Korea and the United Nations command.

“Despite reports of threats of armed conflict, the overall situation remains calm and normal as life proceeds as usual without any disruption throughout South Korea,” he said.

“There is little need for concern as of yet that the tension between the leadership of the two countries would lead to an actual conflict,” Hernandez said. “However, as in the previous incidents between North and South Korea in 2010 and 2011, a state of heightened alertness remains in force for all Filipinos residing in Korea,” he said.

The Philippines supported a UN Security Council resolution last March 8 imposing sanctions on North Korea over the latter’s nuclear test in February.

“The Philippines also expresses its deep concern on the recent announcement by DPRK that it is voiding all non-aggression agreements with the Republic of Korea. The DPRK’s announcement raises tensions in the Korean Peninsula which threaten regional peace and stability,” the DFA said in a statement. DPRK stands for Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name.

The Department of Defense also said it is keenly watching developments in the Korean peninsula.

“We are concerned with the recent development over the Korean Peninsula and are closely monitoring the situation,” said DND spokesperson, Dr. Peter Paul Galvez.

“We are one with other nations on calling for North Korea to refrain from actions that create apprehension in the region,” Galvez said.