MANILA – The Philippines strongly condemned North Korea’s recent ballistic missile test on Jan. 6, urging the country to halt its provocative actions and engage in peaceful dialogue.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed grave concern over North Korea’s actions, emphasizing the threat these pose to regional stability and economic progress.
“The Philippines expresses serious concern and strongly denounces the continuing ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Such provocative actions undermine economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region,” the DFA stated.
The DFA also renewed its call for North Korea to comply with international obligations, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
“We urge the DPRK to promptly cease these activities and commit to peaceful and constructive dialogue,” the DFA added.
North Korea’s latest test involved an intermediate-range ballistic missile fired into the East Sea. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated the missile’s range at 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers (1,864 to 3,418 miles). This marks North Korea’s first ballistic missile launch since Nov. 5, when it fired multiple short-range missiles.
The Philippines joins the international community in condemning these acts, reiterating its support for peace and stability in the region.
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that the Indonesian government did not request anything in return after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that Mary Jane Veloso would be returning to the Philippines.
“There have been many speculations about the return and what conditions may be involved. The Indonesians have not asked for anything in exchange,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said.
“Let me clarify, this is not in exchange for anything,” he added.
Veloso, who was convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2010, has been on death row for 14 years.
Senators have previously praised the government’s efforts to assist Veloso.
“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of every Filipino, particularly those facing challenging circumstances abroad,” said Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
Senator Grace Poe also emphasized, “It is incumbent upon concerned government agencies to protect our migrant workers and ensure their rights.”
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MANILA – The Philippine government has agreed to the United States’ request to temporarily accommodate Afghan nationals while they process their Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for eventual resettlement in the US, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday (20 Aug 2024).
In an official statement, the DFA announced that Manila and Washington DC have come to an agreement to allow a limited number of Afghan allies to transit through the Philippines to complete their visa processing.
“The US government will provide essential services for the Afghan nationals temporarily staying in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation to finalize visa procedures,” the DFA stated. They also mentioned that the agreement is currently undergoing the final domestic procedures needed for implementation.
Details regarding the number of Afghans covered by this arrangement have not yet been disclosed.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez revealed that the US made the proposal in October 2022. The plan is intended solely for the processing of special immigration visas for Afghans and their families who were previously employed by the US government.
The situation arose after the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, leading to a chaotic withdrawal of American forces and leaving thousands of Afghan nationals who had worked with the US mission stranded.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) and the Commission on Elections’ Office for Overseas Voting (COMELEC-OFOV) are now in the thick of things preparing for the implementation of internet voting for Overseas Filipinos in the coming 2025 National Elections.
This follows its launch in South Korea last June where Filipino community leaders and members of the media were trained in the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS).
Aside from South Korea, similar initiatives have also been carried out in Spain, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
These trainings aim to give the Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) enough knowledge to run internet voting that will facilitate voting for Filipinos abroad.
DFA-OVS Chairperson Undersecretary Jesus Domingo emphasized the importance of these campaigns, while Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia mentioned the possibility of extending internet voting within the country for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Registration for overseas votes will end by September 30, 2024.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite being given medical assistance out of “humanitarian reasons,” the Philippine government still wants to rescue Filipino crew members who are being held by the Houthi rebels.
This was disclosed on Friday (02 Aug 2024) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), saying the Sana’a government in Yemen has provided medical assistance to sick Filipino crew members.
It was learned that Sana’a is the capital and the largest city in Yemen. Its authorities control the Houthis.
The DFA informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 30 that Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal confirmed that several Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader are experiencing significant health issues, including malaria symptoms.
Al-Jamal reportedly sought assistance from Sana’a authorities for their release, citing humanitarian reasons because of their declining health condition.
“The Sana’a government responded that the case depends on external decisions; hence, negotiations and discussions are plausible for their fate and possible release,” the DFA bared.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — All’s well that ends well.
Following the meeting of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting in Laos, rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission for BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal resumed on Saturday (27 July 2024) without “untoward incidents.”
Manalo and Wang affirmed that a recently agreed arrangement in resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal will be honored.
“No untoward incidents were reported… It was the first RORE mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions,” the DFA said in a statement.
It added that the RORE mission utilized the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cape Engaño.
“The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” the DFA further said.
It was gathered that during their meeting Friday night (26 July 2024) in the Laos capital of Vientiane, Manalo and Wang restated that the provisional arrangement at Ayungin Shoal will not prejiduce the territorial position of the Philippines and China in the South China Sea.
It can also be noted that in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that while the government “cannot waver,” it “continuously [tries] to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and our principles.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday (14 June 2024) condemned the Houthis’ attack on the merchant vessel MV Tutor in the Red Sea.
Owned by a Greek company and flying the Liberian flag, the ship was carrying Filipino crew members when it was struck by a Houthi unmanned surface vessel (USV) on June 12.
The DFA confirmed the incident in a statement, though it did not specify the exact number of Filipino nationals on board. It pledged to take necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew and to seek justice.
“We urge all UN member states to safeguard the human rights of seafarers. Our commitment to the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers globally remains unwavering,” the DFA stated.
According to the United States Central Command, the vessel had most recently been in Russia before the attack. The USV impact caused extensive flooding and damage to the engine room.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — For freeing one of the four Filipino seafarers on a ship seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed appreciation for Iran’s gesture and the intercession of India.
The foreign affairs department divulged that the unnamed Filipino seafarer has been released and will be returning to the Philippines later Friday (10 May 2024).
“The Philippines welcomes the good news that one of the four Filipino seamen at the MSC Aries has been released and is arriving home later today. We appreciate Iran’s gesture and the intercession of India in this matter,” the DFA said in a statement posted on X.
With this good news, the DFA is now more encouraged to work closely with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for the immediate release and repatriation of the three (3) other Filipino seafarers on the seized ship.
“We hope for their eventual speedy return to their homes and families,” the DFA said.
To recall, last month the DFA said it is hopeful that four Filipino seafarers on board the MSC Aries will be freed in a month.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil,” so goes a line of the Philippine national anthem and this could have moved the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in summoning Zhou Zhiyong, the number two official at the Chinese embassy, to protest a water cannon incident that caused P2 million to P3 million damage to one of two Philippine vessels during a patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
The DFA said Zhou Zhiyong, the number two official at the Chinese embassy, was summoned over “the harassment, ramming, swarming, shadowing and blocking, dangerous maneuvers, use of water cannons, and other aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.”
It was learned that the diplomatic protest on Thursday (2 May 2024) was the 20th lodged by Manila this year, and the 153rd since President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was elected president.
Meanwhile, Commodore Arnaldo Lim, the acting commander of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Manila at Central Luzon Districts, told reporters that the LED panel took a direct hit during the incident and was completely damaged.
He said the canopy and the railings on the ship’s bridge were also destroyed.
Some navigational equipment, like a satellite compass, has also been damaged.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that the four Filipino seafarers are fine and being fed by their Iranian captors, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday (16 April 2024) said that they will be released “soon”.
The four Filipino seafarers, whose identities are withheld, were among the crew of MSC Aries that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized last April 13 near the Strait of Hormuz in an apparent response to an Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria.
“Nobody wants in this situation but they had been told that they will be released soon — all of them, all of the seafarers,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told ANC in an interview.
He also said that the four Filipinos were allowed by the Iranians to contact their families, and each of them spoke with their relatives for an hour.
De Vega disclosed that he is set to meet the Iranian ambassador on Tuesday about the release of the Filipinos.
To recall, some Filipino crew members of an oil tanker that Iran seized in January in response to the US seizure of crude from Iran on the same vessel in 2023 were sent back to the Philippines in March.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday (April 3, 2024) to swiftly prioritize the welfare of Filipinos in Taiwan who may be affected by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
“We must act urgently to extend necessary assistance and support to our OFWs and ensure their safety and well-being,” Pimentel emphasized.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Taiwan during this difficult time and offered unwavering support as they work to rebuild and recover.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe extended her “deepest sympathies” to the people of Taiwan affected by the earthquake.
“Our support also goes to the many individuals providing emergency assistance and rescue efforts on the ground,” Poe stated.
“We are confident that with the resilience and hard work of the Taiwanese people, they will recover from this tragedy and rebuild their communities anew,” she added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that they support his administration’s development agenda, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s trips abroad saying the Filipino people will benefit from it in the long run.
This was pointed out on Friday (8 March 2024) by DFA–Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre who said that Marcos Jr.’s international engagements would redound to the benefit of Filipinos.
“These trips are all in support of the President’s development agenda for the well-being of our country and the progress of the Filipinos,” Algabre quipped in a Palace press briefing.
She was reacting to criticisms of Marcos Jr.’s frequent foreign travels since assuming office in 2022.
This year alone, PBBM visited three countries, namely Brunei, Vietnam, and Australia.
The President is scheduled to travel to Germany and the Czech Republic for a working visit from March 11 to 15 next week.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – The Philippine government, represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has issued a call for peace in Ukraine as Russia’s aggression against the nation enters its second year.
“On this day marking the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Philippines emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace in Ukraine, by the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter,” stated the DFA in a release on Saturday (24 Feb 2024).
The DFA emphasized that the Philippines has consistently articulated its principled stance on the Ukraine issue, steadfastly supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.
Since the outbreak of hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv, Manila has consistently voted in favor of all six resolutions presented at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine, the DFA noted.
“The Philippines reiterates its call for all concerned parties to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict,” the statement continued.
“We recall the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, reaffirming the principle that all States must resolve their disputes through peaceful means.”
According to data from the United Nations, at least 10,500 civilians in Ukraine have lost their lives, with many more sustaining injuries. Essential civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, has been decimated, leaving hundreds of towns and villages without electricity during harsh winter conditions.
Millions of people have been displaced and are reliant on humanitarian aid, the DFA highlighted.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on February 23, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the imperative of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
“Countless Ukrainians are enduring the unthinkable pain of losing their loved ones. It is essential that all children separated from their families are swiftly reunited,” Guterres asserted.
“The conflict is also exacting a heavy toll on the people of Russia. Thousands of young Russians are losing their lives on the front lines, while civilians in Russian cities targeted by strikes are enduring immense suffering.”
Expressing concern over the escalating risk of the conflict, Guterres cautioned against its further expansion, highlighting its detrimental impact on global stability and cooperation.
“For two years, we have witnessed ongoing conflict, enduring suffering, and escalating global tensions. It is time to say, ‘Enough,'” he concluded.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Describing the 18 Filipino seafarers onboard an American oil tanker as “collateral damage” after they were recently seized by Iran’s navy, a top official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said the Iranian Embassy in Manila has promised the Philippine government assistance to ensure the safety and immediate release.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo De Vega said the 18 Filipino crewmen onboard an American oil tanker who were seized by Iran Navy off the coast of Oman last Thursday (January 11) were only “collateral damage” but somehow safe.
“Hindi sila kinuhang hostage, ibang situation ito kasi ang tinarget ng Iranians [ay] ‘yong bapor mismo, so in a way collateral damage ‘yong crew. So we’re confident that hindi sila sasaktan at in time papakawalan na rin ‘yan,” De Vega said.
The incident brought to 35 the number of Filipino seafarers abducted in sea jackings after 17 Filipino seafarers were seized by Iran-backed Houthi rebels who began threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea last November.
De Vega added that the DFA is in touch with the Iranian ambassador to the Philippines, while the Philippine envoy in Tehran is also reaching out to local authorities.
The DFA official said there is no indication so far that the Filipinos are being harmed or mistreated.
Iran has confirmed the sea jacking purportedly to retaliate for the “theft” of its oil from the same tanker last year by the United States.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The Commission on Appointment (CA) gave the green light to the appointments of 49 officials within the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a recent session.
Reflecting on the diverse backgrounds of the appointees, CA Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson Jinggoy Estrada highlighted their varied experiences in public service, spanning the Senate, executive offices, judiciary, military, coast guard, academia, and the corporate sector.
Estrada emphasized that the collective competencies and advocacies of these appointees significantly enhance the DFA’s capabilities in tackling the intricate challenges and issues it faces.
(Liza Soriano/ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the execution of two Filipino nationals in China for drug trafficking offenses, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday warned traveling Filipinos not to carry any “paki-padala” package in order not to become unwilling drug mules.
The DFA withheld the identities of the two Filipinos executed in China on November 24 “out of respect for their privacy,” and delayed the announcement until receiving formal notification of their execution from Chinese authorities.
“The Department issues this urgent reminder to all Filipinos wishing to travel overseas to be vigilant of the modus operandi of drug syndicates in recruiting unwitting travelers as drug mules, and to refuse to carry any package that you have not personally packed and thoroughly inspected,” the DFA said.
According to the foreign affairs department, the two individuals were arrested in 2013 and convicted in 2016.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs regrets to inform the nation that two Filipino nationals were executed in China on 24 November 2023 for drug trafficking offenses, as confirmed by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou,” the DFA stated.
It added: “We offer our most sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. We respect the wishes of their families for privacy, and as such are withholding the identities of the two Filipinos.”
The DFA also assisted the families of the two Filipinos and supported their compassionate visit to Guangzhou.
(AI/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs said that two Filipino nationals were executed in China for drug trafficking offenses.
The DFA said on Saturday that it was confirmed by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou.
“We offer our most sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. Out of deference to their wishes, we deferred from announcing this sad development immediately and are withholding the identities of the two Filipinos,” DFA said.
The department said that it provided all possible assistance, including legal assistance funding, through the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs from the time the two Filipinos were arrested.
It added that the Philippine government exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds. There were also high-level political representations in this regard.
The government likewise provided every possible assistance to the families of the two Filipinos, DFA said.
The agency added that the two executed Filipinos were arrested in 2013 after they were caught with 11 kilos of shabu hidden in a DVD player.
They were convicted in 2016.
DFA officials recently accompanied the relatives of the two convicted Filipinos who went to China for a “compassionate visit” of their loved ones.
(AI/MNM)
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) declared on Thursday (30 Nov 2023) that the 17 Filipinos currently held captive by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea are reported to be in “good condition.”
According to a statement released by the DFA, government sources have indicated that efforts are underway to secure the prompt release of the hostages. The DFA has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with foreign governments to facilitate the safe return of the seafarers.
These 17 individuals were part of the 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, which was hijacked by Houthi rebels on November 19.
In a recent development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that a high-level delegation is being dispatched to Tehran, Iran, to extend “necessary assistance” to the seafarers. However, the agency has not yet disclosed the identity of the delegation’s leader.
As the situation unfolds, the DFA remains committed to ensuring the well-being and swift release of the Filipino hostages.
(ai/mnm)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reassured Filipinos in Gaza that a repatriation fund of USD 297,746 (approximately PHP 16 million) is ready to cover the costs for the last Filipino who decides to return to the Philippines.
Currently, the Rafah border crossing is closed for “security reasons,” according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega.
Undersecretary de Vega stated that the embassy had allocated the standby fund for local transportation, accommodation in Cairo, flight tickets, and welfare assistance for up to 150 persons. Currently, 69 Filipinos have expressed their decision to leave Gaza, awaiting a signal to exit.
The situation on the ground is dynamic, with the Rafah border opening contingent on the security conditions in the area, as highlighted by Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago. Embassy officers in Cairo are on standby, monitoring developments at the Egyptian side of the border crossing.
In a separate update, the DFA announced that 35 of the 40 individuals who crossed the border earlier will depart Egypt on the afternoon of Nov. 9 (Cairo time) and are expected to arrive in the Philippines around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 (Manila time).
The embassy has also arranged for psychosocial support for the repatriates and provided financial assistance to them. Notably, three individuals have chosen to stay in Egypt with their Egyptian patriarch, and one, a pregnant woman, was unable to travel due to her advanced pregnancy.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
DESPITE THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION ordered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as Israel prepares to launch a massive ground offensive in Gaza, not all Filipinos are keen on going home to the Philippines.
On Monday, the DFA noted that some of them who fled Gaza City said they would look for somewhere else to stay in Gaza, a Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea where Hamas won local elections in 2006 and then took sole control of it in 2007.
“Merong 23 na Pilipino — itong huling batch — na umalis sa Gaza City, ayon sa ating embassy,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega disclosed on TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Monday morning.
Last October 7, the Hamas militants launched a “surprise” attack on Israeli villages.
The DFA said all Filipinos in Gaza City have already left the area and all 131 Filipinos in the Gaza Strip are accounted for.
Israel only captured Gaza during the so-called Six-Day War in 1967.
However, even if Hamas won the local elections in Gaza in 2006, still the Gaza Strip was under a strict Israeli blockade, dependent on the Israeli government for electricity, water, and telecommunications. (ai/mnm)