The Philippine Embassy in Russia has warned Filipinos living in the war-torn country to remain vigilant amid the reports of armed rebellion launched by a private military group.
"Patuloy po tayong maging mapagmatiyag sa ating personal na sitwasyon. Patuloy nating subaybayan ang mga advisory na mga inilalabas. Sundin ang mga alituntunin ng Rusia," the Embassy said in a statement issued on Saturday.
It advised the Filipinos to refrain from going to crowded places and joining demonstrations.
"[H]uwag mag-post ng ma-politikang kumento sa social media. Magpasa lamang ng impormasyon kung ito ay totoo at kumpirmado," the Embassy added.
According to a report from Reuters on June 23, tension has escalated in Russia after Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Yevgeny Prigozhin, mercenary chief of armed mutiny Wagner troops, of allegedly killing 2,000 of his forces.
Due to this, Prigozhin posted a series of video messages where he threatened to blockade Rostov City and head for Mosco.
“Those who destroyed our lads, who destroyed the lives of many tens of thousands of Russian soldiers, will be punished. I ask that no one offer resistance,” the Wagner leader said.
The Embassy said that Moscow City Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has enforced counter-terrorism measures, including controlling the traffic and limiting gatherings.
"May mga kaganapan din po sa Rostov-on-Don, tulad ng pag-galaw ng mga militar doon, na kinukumprima ng Embahada," it added.
The Embassy asked Filipinos situated in Rostov-on-Don, Belgorod, and other areas near the Russia and Ukraine boundary to provide information about their situation.
It said that Filipinos may reach out to them through their WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram accounts +79067382538.
