'Prepare for evacuation of Pinoys in Korea'

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo ordered yesterday authorities to brace for the possible escalation of tension in the Korean peninsula, to include preparation for the possible evacuation of thousands of Filipinos from South Korea.

The worsening tensions between North and South Korea was taken up during the Cabinet meeting yesterday at the Palace where economic managers also warned of its possible effects on investments in the Philippines.

South Korea, the United States, and other countries have been pushing to punish North Korea before the United Nations Security Council after it was proven to have sunk a South Korean submarine last March 26, killing 46 sailors.

North Korea responded by cutting ties with its neighbor in the south and has threatened “all-out war.”

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said Mrs. Arroyo asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo during the Cabinet meeting whether there is already a need for airlifting Filipinos in South Korea, estimated to be at 90,000, both documented and undocumented.

As of now, the initial indications show that no action is needed yet, but we are monitoring the situation closely,” Olivar told a news briefing held after the meeting.

But immediate steps will be taken to secure our countrymen (in South Korea),” he said.

Olivar said he was not sure yet when Mrs. Arroyo would call for a meeting of her security officials on the matter, adding “there are serious diplomatic and security concerns” on the brewing situation in the Korean peninsula.

These kinds of decisions have to be made very carefully,” Olivar said when asked whether the Philippines supports moves to sanction the reclusive and militaristic North Korea.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director general Augusto Santos made a presentation to the Cabinet where he noted that South Korea has pledged P23.8 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) or 52.1 percent of the total approved FDI for the first quarter.

NEDA Director for Planning Dennis Arroyo told reporters that if the situation in the Korean peninsula would worsen, it might have an effect on the planned South Korean FDI to the Philippines.