DFA raises crisis alert level for Pinoys in Ukraine

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised yesterday crisis alert level 2 (restriction phase) for Ukraine amid growing tensions in the Crimea region where additional Russian troops have reportedly been deployed.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario raised alert level 2 advising Filipinos in Ukraine to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, closely monitor developments and prepare for possible evacuation.

He said a five-member Rapid Response Team composed of the DFA, Office of the President, Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine National Police personnel will depart for Ukraine as soon as possible.

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, there are 76 Filipinos in Ukraine as of December 2012, of whom 70 are temporary in status.

Ukraine called on the United Nations Security Council to do everything possible to prevent military intervention by Russia.

“The Philippines expresses its deep concern regarding developments in Ukraine and calls on all parties to exercise restraint, not to escalate through the use of force, and follow obligations under international law,” Hernandez said in a text message to reporters.

“The Philippines urges all parties to resolve the crisis through dialogue,” he said.

The US announced it was suspending trade and investment talks with Russia as well as all “military-to-military engagements” as penalties for its actions in Ukraine.– With Mayen Jaymalin