By MARTIN SADONGDONG
President Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prepare its air and naval assets for the possible evacuation of thousands of overseas Filipino workers should war between Iran and the United States erupt in the Middle East.
Duterte has also ordered concerned agencies to prepare for the possible effects of the growing tension between the United States and Iran on the Philippines.
These were bared during the emergency security cluster meeting called by Duterte Sunday afternoon in Malacañang.
Among those present during the meeting were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commanders of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force, and Police Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police.
Department of Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the agenda of the meeting was to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the Middle East, especially those in Iraq and Iran.
“The President has tasked the AFP to prepare its air and naval assets to evacuate and bring home our countrymen if and when open hostilities erupt in the Middle East that may endanger their lives,” Andolong said.
According to Andolong, there are 1,600 and 6,000 Filipinos in Iran and Iraq, respectively.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday Filipinos in the Middle East who will be placed in danger will be evacuated. However, he said they cannot force those who do not want to leave despite the tension.
“’Yung nanganganib ang kanilang buhay at tsaka ‘yung gusto kasi hindi mo rin naman mapipilit kung ayaw sumama sa ‘yo. May mga Pilipino rin na kahit na may giyera ayaw nilang umalis doon,” Panelo said. “Pero kung nanganganib ang kanilang buhay, siyempre gagawin lahat ng pamahalaan upang mailigtas sila sa lahat ng kapahamakan,” he added.
Panelo assured that there are measures in place in case the tension between the US and Iran triggers an increase in oil prices and other commodities.
“I’m sure ‘yung group ng economic managers meron silang ginagawang kahandaan upang tugunan kung ano mang krisis na darating arising from the Middle East tension,” Panelo said. ” Lahat ng klaseng measures na puwedeng makatulong in the event of any crisis, kasama yun sa lamesa,” he added.
Tension between the US and Iran escalated after a targeted airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, last week. Iran vowed to avenge the death of Soleimani but Trump made an equally tough threat of bombing 52 locations in Iran. (With a report from Argyll Geducos)
