DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Foreign to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan amid tension between the self-ruled island and China.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega in a press briefing said President ordered their department to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan amid tension between the self-ruled island and China.
De Vega said the President wants to assure other nations that the Philippines has no intention to launch offensive military actions and there is “no need to make statements that make it appear our OFWs are being targeted.”
In a recent press briefing, de Vega said “He (Marcos) has given a general order to always watch out for the safety and welfare of OFWs, including in Taiwan.”
He stressed “Through Malacañang and offices, we wish to assure everyone, countries, all our partners, the Philippines is a peaceful country. Wala tayong intent na gumawa ng (We don’t have any intention to carry out) offensive military actions. There is no need for anyone to make statements that make it appear our OFWs are being targeted.”
The DFA issued the statement after Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian claimed that the safety and welfare of 150,000 OFWs in Taiwan might be jeopardized if Manila does not “unequivocally oppose” Taiwan’s independence.
Beijing has been claiming that the self-ruled island is part of China awaiting reunification.
As of now, no OFW has expressed their intention to go home to the Philippines amid the tension between Taiwan and China.
