DFA, DOLE assure safety of Filipinos in Ukraine

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A team from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has met with Filipinos in Ukraine to ensure their safety in light of the tense political situation in the country.

The team was headed by Philippine Ambassador to Russia Alejandro B. Mosquera and involved 40 Ukraine-based Filipinos.

“The team discussed with the Filipino community the need for preparedness and the importance of communication with the Embassy in view of the recent developments in the country,” the DFA said in a statement Monday.

“The Filipinos in attendance expressed their appreciation for the team’s visit and assured the Ambassador of their full cooperation in mobilizing the community,” it said.

There are an estimated 198 Filipinos in Ukraine, the DFA said.

On Sunday, a referendum was held in Ukraine’s southern peninsula of Crimea on whether it would like to be an independent state or become a part of Russia.

Despite being regarded by many western countries as an illegal referendum, the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of joining Russia

Russian troops marched into Crimea following months of violent protests against the government.

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