No need to cancel S. Korea trips but Filipinos must be cautious – DFA

South Korean protesters hold a banner that read “we condemn Yoon Suk Yeol’s illegal martial law” during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on December 4, 2024, after martial law was lifted. Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos planning to travel to South Korea, despite the brief declaration of martial law, are not being advised to cancel their trips, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.

Instead, they are urged to take extra precautions amid the political tension in the region.

“We wouldn’t advise them to cancel their trips, but we will tell them to be very circumspect and careful and take precautions, especially when they are abroad,” said de Vega in an interview over DZBB on Wednesday.

READ: What we know about South Korea’s martial law 

“There’s no war, that’s what’s important so we will just advise those traveling to take precaution if they want to push through with their trips,” he added.

According to de Vega, about 68,000 Filipinos are currently in South Korea, most of whom are documented workers.

He added that the Philippine Embassy in South Korea has advised all Filipinos there to remain calm.

READ: South Korea lifts martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities.

The martial law order was lifted hours after it was imposed following opposition raised by the South Korean parliament.