Escudero: PH must speak against Russian aggression, nuclear war threat
Senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday called on the Philippine government to denounce war “in all its forms” and speak up against the apparent aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine.
Today, Escudero noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed the Russian Army Deterrence Force—which includes Russia’s nuclear forces—on alert, signaling a possible start of a nuclear war.
“I don’t believe we should remain neutral about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We should align ourselves with other peace-loving nations and make known our stance against war and aggression,” Escudero said in a statement.
“As one of the world’s most dynamic democracies, which has constantly fought to regain its freedoms, the Philippines should help promote peace and the right to self-determination of every country in every part of the world,” said Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback in the upcoming May 2022 elections.
“The Philippines must denounce war in all its forms and speak up against the atrociousness and tragedy that war brings. As we bring Filipinos home, we can also open our doors to Ukrainians who need refuge, as former president Manuel Quezon did for the Jews during the Holocaust,” he added.
Prior to the invasion, Russia has already deployed 150,000 troops to Ukraine’s borders in the past months.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, which includes the United States, Canada, some countries in Europe, North America and Asia, have also sent some 12,000 soldiers, ammunition, ships and planes to member-nations of the security alliance in Europe.
There are 380 Filipinos in Ukraine, of which 181 have been either repatriated or have fled to other European cities, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“I appeal to our fellow Filipinos in Ukraine to please coordinate with the DFA so the government can ensure your safety,” he said.
“I understand that some want to wait for it because they have good jobs and good lives there, but the situation could quickly get serious and we may lose access to you anytime. Just think of your families here,” Escudero said.