By Mario Casayuran
Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘’Bong’’ Go assured the nation on Monday that the government would take all steps possible to ensure the security of Filipinos in the country and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially in the Middle East.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (MALACAÑANG PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Go gave the assurance after attending last Sunday a meeting called by President Duterte with top officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assess the likely impact of the increasing tensions in the Middle East on the country, especially on affected Filipinos overseas.
"Nagpatawag na si Pangulong Duterte ng meeting kasama ang chief of staff ng AFP kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa ating bansa at sa ating seguridad,"
Senator Go said the President has met with Lt. General Felimon Santos, AFP chief of staff, and other officials to discuss the effects of the Middle East tension on the Philippines.
According to Go, President Duterte ordered the AFP to be prepared to deploy military assets to repatriate Filipinos, particularly from Iran and Iraq, at any moment's notice, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other concerned agencies.
Go added that concerned agencies were also instructed to prepare contingency measures and identify other nearby safe countries where Filipinos could be repatriated and all other contingencies in case it would be too difficult to bring them back to the Philippines directly.
“Our concern clearly is on the safety and security of Filipinos in that country and the region,” Go said. The President considers the situation with utmost concern and expressed hopes that things would stabilize, with the support of all regional and global stakeholders.
“The President has directed relevant agencies to prepare for any eventuality and possible impact on the country. As your Senator, I will support all efforts of PRRD to safeguard and protect our national interests in the Middle East,” Go said.