Labor chief: Situation in South Korea calm

MANILA, Philippines - Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz on Tuesday said that the situation in South Korea remains calm despite North Korea's declaration of a state of war.

“The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Seoul, which is constantly monitoring the conditions in the region, reports a calm and normal situation in South Korea," Baldoz said in a statement.

She added: "There is no reason to panic since the POLO is closely coordinating with the Filipino community in the region and is prepared for any possible events."

Baldoz said that according to the report of Labor Attaché to Korea Felicitas Bay, the Philippine Embassy released an advisory as early as March 7 for the Filipino community to stay vigilant and maintain its observance of Alert Level 1 or heightened awareness.

Bay also reported that the Philippine embassy has been constantly updating the Filipino community of the security situation in South Korea through its website, by regular email blast and community gathering and through the Filcom Leaders' Forum.

Baldoz said that the POLO has also advised overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in South Korea to always keep a handy emergency kit and money for any eventuality.

“Amidst the reports of a normal situation in South Korea, our POLO in the region works closely with the Embassy under one-country-team approach and would never let its guards down. It will continuously and constantly monitor the developments in the region and will always be prepared to ensure that our OFWs will stay safe and away from danger,” Baldoz said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday announced that it has also raised Alert Level 1 in South Korea amid the rising tension after North Korea's war declaration.

The DFA has assured that it has a contingency plan in place for 42,057 Filipinos in Korea in case of emergency.