PH calls for peaceful means to avert humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

Ukrainian servicemen are seen at a position on the front line with Russia-backed separatists near the town of Schastia, near the eastern Ukraine city of Lugansk, on February 23, 2022. (Photo by Anatolii Stepanov / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Friday called on all parties involved in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to “exert every effort” to stick to peaceful means to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on the international community to reaffirm its “commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” saying it is the “pragmatic and decent way to go” as Russia begins an all-out invasion of Ukraine.

“We urge all parties to exert every effort to stick to diplomatic and peaceful means to maintain international peace and security and avert a humanitarian crisis,” the DFA said.

The DFA recalled the adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

The declaration, the DFA explained, “provides the legal framework for recourse to diplomacy, dialogue and rule of law.”

“In the present crisis, where the situation is not irreversible and there is no compelling reason for any of the protagonists to resort to hostile actions, turning to the Manila Declaration is the pragmatic and decent way to go,” it added.

In his years in office, Philippine Rodrigo Duterte employed a foreign policy shift towards warmer ties with Beijing and Moscow, notably even calling Russian President Vladimir Putin his “favorite hero.”

Duterte embarked on an official visit to Russia twice, once in 2017 and a second time in 2019.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine even after weeks of diplomacy and imposition of Western sanctions in a bid to avert a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine, residents have taken shelter in subway stations and are fleeing to Poland for safety.

In the case of Filipinos, the DFA said it stands ready to assist them should they wish to be repatriated.

So far, six Filipinos fled Ukraine and have returned to the Philippines. Some 37 others are set to be repatriated.

EDV