Chiz: PH Must Speak Against Aggression in the Face of Nuclear War Threat
As tension escalated in Europe and the Philippines moves to repatriate Filipinos based in Ukraine, the government must make clear its stance against war and aggression, senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero said.
“I don’t believe we should remain neutral about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We should align ourselves with other peace-loving nations and make known our stance against war and aggression,” Escudero said.
“As one of the world’s most dynamic democracies, which has constantly fought to regain its freedoms, the Philippines should help promote peace and the right to self-determination of every country in every part of the world,” he said.
Before the invasion, Russia has already deployed 150,000 troops to Ukraine’s borders in the past months. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have also sent some 12,000 soldiers, ammunition, ships and planes to member-nations of the security alliance in Europe.
Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the Russian Army Deterrence Force, which includes Russia’s nuclear forces, on alert, signaling a possible nuclear war.
“The Philippines must denounce war in all its forms and speak up against the atrociousness and tragedy that war brings. As we bring Filipinos home, we can also open our doors to Ukrainians who need refuge, as former president Manuel Quezon did for the Jews during the Holocaust,” Escudero said.
There are 380 Filipinos in Ukraine, of which 181 have been either repatriated or have fled to other Ukrainian and European cities, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“I appeal to our fellow Filipinos in Ukraine to please coordinate with the DFA so the government can ensure your safety. I understand that some want to wait it because they have good jobs and good lives there, but the situation could quickly get serious and we may lose access to you anytime. Just think of your families here,” Escudero said. #
