The head of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Philippine bishops’ conference called on Filipinos in Myanmar to take care as political tension continues to rise in the country.
“To our [Filipino migrant workers], please remain calm and always be careful, always taking into consideration your personal safety,” said Bishop Ruperto Santo of Balanga.
“Just focus on works and avoid any place, any grouping that will endanger your stay and your work,” said the prelate in his message aired over Church-run radio Veritas 846.
“Let us turn to God that with His guidance and grace there will be no violence, and common good will always prevail,” said Bishop Santos.
“Let us resort to prayers, praying and hoping for peace and harmony,” he added.
In a statement released on February 2, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said it is “especially concerned” for the safety of Myanmar’s civil leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
“The Philippine government is following with deep concern the developing situation in Myanmar, and is especially concerned with the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” read the statement.
The Philippines recognized that Myanmar had made efforts toward democratization. Since 2011, the country had started its transition to democracy after holding general elections in 2010.
“Myanmar has made substantial and important strides toward democratization in recent years,” read the statement from the Foreign Affairs department.
“The Philippines has supported these efforts,” it added.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, tagged the situation in Myanmar as an “internal matter” Manila would not interfere with.
“We expect that at the soonest possible time things will go back to normal, though the situation in Myanmar is an internal matter we won’t interfere with,” Roque said on February 1.
Roque said the primary concern of the country was the safety of Filipinos in Myanmar, adding the Philippine military was on standby to evacuate them if necessary.
On Monday, military leaders seized control of Myanmar’s government after overthrowing its civilian leader, Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi, along with other ranking National League for Democracy leaders, have been detained by the military.
The Philippine Embassy in Myanmar also asked Filipinos to “remain calm” and stay inside their homes.
“The Embassy urges all Filipinos in Myanmar to remain calm and to stay at home. All Filipinos are encouraged to register with the Embassy,” read an announcement from the Philippine Embassy.
“Please also make sure that you are included in the Embassy township coordination group,” read the statement posted on Facebook.
Those who are not registered with the embassy were advised to send a message through the Facebook page so that they can be connected with the coordinator for their respective township.
Based on the latest figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, there are 1,273 Filipinos in Myanmar.
All Filipinos are encouraged to register with the Embassy through this link.
“For emergencies, you may call the Embassy landline at 01 558149-153 of the Embassy hotline at 09250765938,” the embassy added.
