Safety of Filipinos in Taiwan major concern
EXPRESSING alarm, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, has initiated coordination with government agencies to assess the safety of Filipinos in Taiwan, following heightened tensions in the region due to China’s recent military exercises near the island.
Tulfo contacted Cheloy Garafil, chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan, to discuss contingency planning.
Garafil reported that Taiwan has about 80,000 shelters that can accommodate up to 40 million people.
She said these shelters, located across various parts of Taiwan, are accessible through an online application that helps users find the nearest one.
According to Garafil, the shelter capacity is sufficient for Taiwan’s total population of around 23 million, including the more than 200,000 Filipinos living and working there.
Regarding possible repatriation scenarios, Garafil said exit points have been identified and that transportation resources are ready if evacuation becomes necessary.
She noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have committed to supporting repatriation efforts with available aircraft and ships.
Tulfo also spoke with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who confirmed that the Philippine government has been preparing for such a scenario for the past two years.
Cacdac mentioned that coordination with the AFP and other agencies is ongoing, and that a contingency manual is in place.
He added that allied countries have signaled readiness to assist if needed.
Tulfo’s office continues to communicate with the AFP as part of overall contingency planning.
