MANILA — Malacañang assured the public on Monday, October 19, that the government is taking immediate steps to protect and assist overseas Filipinos caught in the ongoing violent protests rocking several European nations.
Speaking during a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued strict directives to relevant government agencies to look after the welfare of affected compatriots abroad.
“Ang Pangulo naman po kapag may ganitong pangyayaring kaguluhan, unang-una po talaga niyang ipinag-uutos na asikasuhin kung ano ang pinagdaraanan ng ating mga kababayan sa lugar na nagkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” Castro said, emphasizing that the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remains paramount during times of international civil unrest.
”Kahit na anong kaguluhan, ang Pangulo po ang unang pinoprotektahan ay ang OFW,” she added.
Castro noted that Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, particularly in Milan, Italy, which is among the areas experiencing intense demonstrations.
She added that voluntary repatriation remains an option for those stranded if conditions do not stabilize.
”Kung hindi magkakaroon ng kaayusan at pinagdadasal naman natin na sana ay maayos agad ang nangyayari sa nasabing mga lugar, maaari pong magpa-repatriate kung kinakailangan, iyan naman din po ang utos ng Pangulo, kung kinakailangan at gusto ng ating mga kababayan na naiipit sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” Castro explained.
Meanwhile, the Palace expressed hope that the widespread unrest in countries like France and Italy will de-escalate swiftly and not disrupt the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit scheduled to be held in Manila next month.
”We just pray na hindi,” Castro remarked when asked about potential impacts on European leaders’ attendance at the regional summit.