Gov't ready to repatriate Pinoys in Taiwan if tension escalates

Malacañang has assured the public that it is ready to repatriate about 250,000 Filipinos in Taiwan should tensions between China and the self-ruled island escalate.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner urged military personnel to prepare for potential spillover effects if Taiwan faces an invasion.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, April 2, Castro said the public has nothing to worry about Brawner's statement as it was only ap-propriate for the government forces to be prepared.

"In our assessment, the public should not be alarmed about this," she said. "It is only right for him [Brawner] to remind the entire troops, as well as the public.

We should always be prepared in all contingencies." Asked whether the government has discussed possible scenarios involving Filipinos in Taiwan, the Palace Press Officer said details would come from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP.

However, Castro assured the public that the government remains prepared, especially for the possible repatriation of Filipinos from Taiwan should the situation escalate.

"For such contingencies, if they happen, we are always ready. As AFP chief Romeo Brawner said, we should always be prepared for any contingency," she said. "If that happens, we should not be complacent in our position and our work.

We are always ready." Castro then urged Filipinos in Taiwan to remain calm and assured them of the government's support.