By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela following reports of a large-scale military operation carried out by the United States (U.S.) that resulted in the capture of its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday.
In a statement, DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the Philippines is calling on all concerned parties to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
“The Philippines is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela,” Escalona said.
“The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful meansand to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict.”
Escalona said the Philippine Embassy in Bogota, which serves as the country’s non-resident mission for Venezuela, has issued a travel and safety advisory for Filipinos in the South American nation.
“The Philippine Embassy in Bogota, which serves as non-resident mission for Venezuela, has issued a travel and safety advisory to Filipinos in Venezuela and stands ready to provide assistance to them, as necessary and appropriate, to keep them out of harm’s way,” she said.
The DFA statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington had “successfully” carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela, claiming that Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.”
The Trump administration has previously accused Maduro of drug trafficking, allegations that the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.
The Philippine Embassy in Colombia earlier reminded Filipinos in Venezuela to identify safe spaces for refuge amid the developing situation. (PNA)
