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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Prepare rescue plan for 250,000 OFWs in Taiwan in case of invasion, Brawner tells troops

Prepare rescue plan for 250,000 OFWs in Taiwan in case of invasion, Brawner tells troops

Published Apr 1, 2025 11:47 am

brawner.jpg

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. delivers his message during the anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In his speech, Brawner urges Nolcom to prepare the evacuation plan for 250,000 OFWs in Taiwan. (photo: AFP Facebook page)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. has tasked the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) to start preparing for the rescue plan for Filipinos in Taiwan in the event of invasion of China.

There are around 250,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and Brawner said there is a need to come up with the necessary measures to ensure their safety and security in case of armed conflict.

Brawner has expressed confidence in the capability of the military forces tasked to secure the northern part of the country amid the aggressive modernization programs that include acquisition of modern military assets.

“Nolcom is our front liner here in the northern hemisphere. And as I, as we saw a while ago in their shift to territorial defense, they have gone a long long way already. But let me give you this challenge, this further challenge,” said Brawner during the anniversary celebration of Nolcom on Tuesday, April 1.

“Do not be content with securing just the northern hemisphere up to Mabulis Island. Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan,” he added.

With the number of Filipinos in Taiwan, Brawner said the Philippines has no option but to come up with the best measures to protect them.

“Let us extend our sphere of operations. Because if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved,” said Brawner.

“There are 250,000 OFWs working in Taiwan and we will have to rescue them. And it will be the task of Northern Luzon Command to be at the front line of that operation,” he stressed.

China has been aggressively conducting war games in the South China Sea that includes areas near Taiwan, which it dreamed of annexing to its territory over the years.

Taiwan, on the other hand, has been conducting aggressive military build-ups that include acquisition of modern military hardware in anticipation of any invasion plan.

On the part of the Philippine military, Brawner said Nolcom forces have been subjected to rigorous military exercises and readiness assessments through war games and other military exercises with other countries.

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