AFP ready to assist in repatriation of Filipinos in South Korea

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to assist in the repatriation of Filipinos in South Korea should the need arises.

“Our air assets are ready to support whatever the decision or policy of our Department of Foreign Affairs is,” AFP public affairs chief Colonel Noel Detoyato told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

The list of aircraft that could be used if there would be repatriation are the three C-130 cargo planes and the brand new C-295 cargo plane from Spain.

“Ang C-130 mahaba ang kanyang airtime, endurance ng flying nya. So designed talaga siya magkarga ng mabibigat. The C-295 is almost the same configurations ng C-130. Mas maliit mg konti but the endurance is also the same,” Detoyato said.

Tensions in the Korean peninsula have escalated recently as both sides had an exchange of fires.

On Saturday, Malacañang said it has a “good protocol” in South Korea when it comes to evacuation.

The Philippine government has not told the Filipinos in South Korea to evacuate and they also have not issued a travel advisory but said they are monitoring the developments.

There are about 40,000 Filipinos in South Korea.