President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Wednesday said he has ordered concerned
government agencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos in areas affected by the ongoing
tension between North and South Korea.
We are closely monitoring and I have tasked the relevant agencies to review their plans
concerning the safety of our citizens there,” Aquino said in a text message.
On Tuesday, North Korea unleashed a barrage of artillery on a South Korean island near
disputed western border. The attack set buildings ablaze and killed at least two marines..
Aquino said he and other government officials will meet on the matter and come up with the
government’s position after gathering and evaluating validated information.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the
Philippine Embassy in Seoul is closely monitoring developments in South Korea.
DFA spokesman Ed Malaya said that coordination meetings are being conducted by the DFA
in connection with the welfare of Filipinos in North and South Korea.
The DFA said there are around 60,000 Filipinos in South Korea. Most of them live in Seoul,
far from the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong that was attacked by North Korea. (PIA)
