The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to receive a request from Filipinos in Taiwan for repatriation, amidst the tension between the island and China.
"As far as the Filipinos in Taiwan are concerned, wala pa kaming nababalitaan na gustong umuwi or nababahala. Sanay na sila dito," DFA Usec. Eduardo De Vega assured on Tuesday, April 18, during the Laging Handa press briefing.
"So far, our kababayans are alright and they know where to go kung kailangan ng tulong," he added.
The DFA official, also, assured that contingency plans have been in place in case hostilities rise in Taiwan.
"We can assure the public that contingency plans are in place in all places where there are high concentrations of (Overseas Filipino Workers) including Taiwan," De Vega said.
De Vega made the assurance after the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian urged the Philippines to oppose 'Taiwan's independence'.
During the 8th Manila Forum, Huang also commented on the creation of four additional (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites in the Philippines.
"Obviously, the US intends to take advantage of the new EDCA sites to interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its geopolitical goals, and advance its anti-China agenda at the expense of peace and development of the Philippines and the region at large," Huang said during the event.
"The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose “Taiwan independence” rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs," he added.
China recently held three days of military drills around the island of Taiwan, which the Chinese government claims as part of its territory.
