AROUND THE ISLAND Pinoys in Taiwan already used to China presence

MANILA The Philippines' cultural and economic office in Taiwan reassured the public on Thursday, April 3, that Filipinos in Taiwan remain safe despite China's routine military exercises around the island, saying workers there are "used to reports of China's presence."

- Cristina Chi

"There is no cause for alarm because everyone here in Taiwan is conducting business as usual," Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson and Resident Representative Cheloy Garafil said in a statement. "Filipinos here in Taiwan are used to reports of China's presence around the territory."

This statement comes after AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. instructed troops to begin planning for actions "in case there is an invasion of Taiwan" during his speech at Tuesday's Northern Luzon Command's (NOĹCOM) 38th anniversary program.

NOLCOM, the military command responsible for the northern Philippine region closest to Taiwan, was told that the country would be "inevitably" involved in any Taiwan conflict scenario due to geographic proximity.