Mindanao Times

PH ‘deeply concerned’ as tensions rise in ME

-

MANILA -- The Philippine government is “deeply concerned” over the recent developmen­ts in the Middle East, citing its threat to the peace and stability in the region.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expresses deep concern over the events in Iraq and its implicatio­ns on peace and security in the region,” it said on Wednesday.

The latest statement reflects the country’s official position days after tensions rose in the region over the death of Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds military force, during a US airstrike in Baghdad and following the ballistic missiles attack launched by Iran that hit two military bases in Iraq hosting US military and coalition forces.

Amid tensions, the DFA said efforts are continuing to secure the repatriati­on of Filipinos in Iraq.

“The DFA, in coordinati­on with other agencies, will deploy rapid response teams (RRTs) to the reMANILA

gion,” it added.

Earlier, the DFA raised crisis alert level 4 for Filipinos in Iraq, with the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad tasked to effect the mandatory evacuation of Filipinos estimated at 1,640 in that country.

Based on the instructio­ns of President Rodrigo Duterte, the DFA on Wednesday also announced that Environmen­t Secretary

Roy Cimatu is scheduled to fly to the Middle East to oversee the Philippine­s’ repatriati­on efforts.

The country’s position echoes the call of several states and the United Nations for de-escalation of tensions in the region. Recently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscore­d that “the world cannot afford another war in the Gulf.” (PNA)

 ??  ?? GUARDS or commonly called “hijos” (sons) ride atop a carriage transporti­ng the statue of the Black Nazarene during the annual religious procession in honour of the Black Nazarene in Manila. Frenzied fanatics, exhaustion and blazing heat were dangers bearing down on the cadre of guards who shield one of the Philippine­s’ most revered Catholic icons from the crowds of believers desperate to touch it. AFP PHOTO
GUARDS or commonly called “hijos” (sons) ride atop a carriage transporti­ng the statue of the Black Nazarene during the annual religious procession in honour of the Black Nazarene in Manila. Frenzied fanatics, exhaustion and blazing heat were dangers bearing down on the cadre of guards who shield one of the Philippine­s’ most revered Catholic icons from the crowds of believers desperate to touch it. AFP PHOTO

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines