Filipinos in Ukraine told to prepare for evacuation

By: Matikas Santos - 11 years ago

Troops in unmarked uniforms stand guard as they take control the Coast Guard offices in Balaklava on the outskirts of Sevastopol, Ukraine, Saturday, March 1, 2014. An emblem on one of the vehicles and their number plates identify them as belonging to the Russian military. AP

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has warned Filipinos in Ukraine to prepare for possible evacuation as it raised crisis alert level 2 in light of the escalating crisis brought by the entry of Russian military forces.

“Filipinos in Ukraine are advised to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, closely monitor developments, and prepare for possible evacuation,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a text advisory to reporters Tuesday.

“A five-member Rapid Response Team composed of DFA, Office of the President, Department of Labor and Employment, and Philippine National Police personnel, will depart for Ukraine as soon as possible,” he said.

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, there are 76 Filipinos in Ukraine as of December 2012, 70 of which are temporary in status.

The government of Ukraine has been ousted in February after continuous violent protests from citizens leave about a hundred killed and hundreds more injured.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has reportedly fled to Russia after protesters stormed the presidential administration buildings on February 22.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the entry of military troops into the southern province of Crimea allegedly to protect pro-Russian citizens. Ukraine’s military has been ordered to be on full alert by acting president Olexander Turchynov.

United States President Barack Obama has called on Russia to withdraw its troops. British Foreign Affairs Secretary William Hague said that UK will step up diplomatic and economic pressure but will not take military action.

“The Philippines expresses its deep concern regarding developments in Ukraine and calls on all parties to exercise restraint, not to escalate through the use of force, and follow obligations under international law,” Hernandez said.

“The Philippines urges all parties to resolve the crisis through dialogue,” he said.