He said the air and sea assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are standing by to pick up Filipinos in Myanmar who want to return to the Philippines if the situation there worsens after the coup, according to Malacañang.
At a news conference on Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s main goal is to ensure the safety of Filipinos there, which is estimated at more than 1,200.
“Gumagalaw po ngayon ang ating embahada sa Myanmar para magbigay ng tulong sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Kung gusto pong umuwi ng ilang mga Pilipino, gagawan po natin ng paraan para sila ay makauwi. Kung gusto po nilang temporary shelter diyan sa ating embassy, maghahanap po tayo ng mga paraan,” said Roque.
“At naka-standby naman po ang ating Hukbong Sandatahan kung kinakailangan na ma-airlift or kaya [gamitin] ang mga bapor ng ating Philippine Navy kung kinakailangan na pauwiin ang mga Pilipinong nandiyan sa Myanmar,” the official added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is said to be in contact with the Filipino community in Myanmar after the military there seized the power of the civilian government.
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Gov’t ready to repatriate Filipinos in Myanmar if needed – Malacañang
The military also detained their country’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials for allegedly cheating in the last election in November which was won by Suu Kyi’s party.
After the military seized power from Suu Kyi, they declared that the country would be placed in a state of emergency for one year.
The United Nations and the United States have condemned the detention of Suu Kyi and other political leaders. Singapore expressed extreme concern over the situation in Myanmar.
The Philippines did not issue a statement and called the situation in Myanmar an “internal” matter that should not be tampered with.
“Inaasahan po natin na sa lalong mabilis na panahon sana po bumalik sa normal iyan bagama’t ang pangyayari po sa Myanmar ay isang bagay na internal at hindi po natin pinanghihimasukan,” said Roque.