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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA downgrades Myanmar alert level status

DFA downgrades Myanmar alert level status

Published Jul 1, 2023 08:39 am
Filipinos may soon visit junta-ruled Myanmar after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) decided to lower the alert level status it had imposed in the said country since May 2021, an official said.
*Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega (ANC/YouTube screenshot)*

In an interview with ANC, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Foreign Affairs Secretary Eduardo Manalo has already approved the recommendation to allow Filipinos back in the Southeast Asian country. "Upon the recommendation of the DFA, and they are just waiting for my confirmation, the DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo has already approved," he said on Saturday, July 1. "It's not just happening for workers. It will enable tourists and investors in the Philippines to visit," he added. With this, De Vega said they are now talking to Myanmar authorities to assure them that the decision of the Philippine government "will not be used as a means" to help human trafficking victims. The Philippines placed Myanmar under Alert Leve 4 in May 2021 due to the worsening conflict following the military's government takeover. Alert Level 4 mandated the evacuation of Filipinos in the said country. In his interview, De Vega gave two reasons why it took the DFA a [long time to decide](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/22/ph-gov-t-mulls-downgrade-of-alert-level-in-myanmar) whether to downgrade the alert level status. "We had to make sure about the stability, safety, and working conditions of our legally employed Filipinos, over 400 of them, here in the main cities of Myanmar," he said. "Second, we have another issue — the illegal trafficking victims over the Thai-Myanmar borders. I explained to them why we couldn't make a decision on this is that we wouldn't be contradicting ourselves on this," he added. Last week, De Vega said the lower alert level status would only cover Filipinos working legally in Myanmar. Those stuck at the Thailand border cannot go back to Myanmar. Even though only over 400 Filipinos legally work in Myanmar, De Vega said he went there to consult with them. He said this shows the commitment of the Filipino government to their welfare. "It had to be a very careful process. We had to see, and I had to see for myself," he said. "It shows the commitment of the Philippine government to the safety and welfare of our kababayans. There are not thousands of Filipinos working here— there are a few hundred— and yet, here I am," he added.

Related Tags

alert level OFWs PH-Myanmar Department of Foreign Affairs Eduardo De Vega Myanmar
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