Malacañang on Monday directed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Europe as the national government closely monitors developments, including public demonstrations taking place in Italy and France.
Palace Press Officer Clare Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the safety of Filipinos prioritized during emergencies abroad.
Castro said the government is prepared to provide assistance to those who may be affected, including possible repatriation if needed and when Filipinos caught in such situations request it.
“Kahit na anong kaguluhan, ang Pangulo po ang unang pinoprotektahan ay ang OFW (overseas Filipino workers). Kung hindi magkakaroon ng kaayusan, at pinagdadasal naman natin na sana ay maayos agad ang nangyayari sa nasabing mga lugar, maaari pong magpa-repatriate kung kinakailangan,” she said.
Castro added that Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac is closely monitoring the situation, especially in Milan in Italy and Paris in France, which stemmed from violent demonstrations linked to alleged poor services and rising cost of living.
She also said Malacañang is hopeful that the unrest in European countries will end peacefully and will not affect European leaders’ planned attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila in November.
Asked if there are concerns that similar incidents may happen in the Philippines, Castro said the government continues to take steps to help Filipinos deal with rising prices and other challenges, as well as to cushion the impact of El Niño.