C-130s on standby for Pinoys in S. Korea

MANILA, Philippines – The situation in South Korea remains calm despite North Korea’s declaration of a state of war, but the government continues to prepare for the possible evacuation of about 40,000 Filipinos living and working in South Korea. 

As part of the contingency plans, the Philippine Air Force on Tuesday, April 2, placed two of its C130 plans on standby in case hostilities erupt between the two countries.

Following recent experiences in evacuating Filipinos during the crisis in the Middle East, Air Force spokesman Col Miguel Ernest Okol said the Air Force already has an existing plan for such scenarios.  

“We just finalize details like the air route, ground handling, other support systems plus DFA efforts to secure diplomatic clearance then we tailor it to a specific area or country as the need arises,” he said.  

Malacañang earlier said the government is ready to evacuate Filipinos in South Korea in case conflict erupts. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in coordination with the embassy in South Korea, has identified exit points and evacuation centers for Filipinos in case the situation deteriorates, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a press conference. 

For instance, evacuation centers will be set up in Gimhae, Daegu and Busan, which will also serve as the main exit points for Filipinos should the airports in Seoul and Incheon become inaccessible. 

An Alert Level 1 has been raised covering Filipinos in South Korea for heightened awareness. 

A day after the United States has deployed a destroyer of the South Korean coast to defend the area against missile strikes, North Korea announced a decision to restart an old nuclear reactor to bolster its nuclear weapons program. – with reports from Angela Casauay/Rappler.com