MANILA – Malacañang has urged the Filipinos not to be alarmed by the military’s preparations to evacuate overseas Filipino workers from Taiwan in case it is invaded by China.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.’s directive for the Northern Luzon Command to be ready to rescue over 250,000 OFWs from Taiwan is just part of the Philippines’ readiness in case the invasion happens.
“Hindi bago ito kasi matagal na naming pinag-uusapan yan ano, because of the great possibility of the mainland China crossing the channel between it and Taiwan to recover Taiwan,” Bersamin said.
He added that Filipinos should not be alarmed by Brawner’s statement as it only signified the whole-of-government approach in repatriating OFWs from Taiwan.
“The Philippines has been preparing for the eventuality of an invasion. We’re not saying when that invasion will take place, whether it will take place at all. Ang importante sa atin, hindi tayo natutulog sa pansitan,” Bersamin said.
“Hindi dapat magtaka ang Pilipino because matagal na naming ginagawa ang mga yan, preparedness for evacuation. We are not going to war. Unless they involve us, of course,” he added.
Earlier this week, Brawner told the unit to be ready to lead the repatriation of OFWs from Taiwan if it is invaded by China.
This was after China deployed its army, navy, air, and rocket forces around Taiwan for large-scale blockade drills around Taiwan./PN
