Filipinos in Russia advised to stay vigilant

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in Moscow advised Filipinos in Russia to stay vigilant and take precautions as security was tightened amid the Russian paramilitary unit Wagner’s mutiny.

In its advisory on Saturday, the embassy urged Filipinos to refrain from traveling, steer clear of crowded places, and avoid posting political comments and unverified information on social media.

Russia stepped up security measures in Moscow and border towns after Yevgeny Progozhin, the head of the paramilitary group Wagner, accused Russian forces of attacking his mercenaries and vowed to retaliate.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said anti-terror measures are being taken in the Russian capital after the Wagner chief vowed to bring down the country’s military leadership.

“There are also things happening in Rostov-on-Don like movement of the military which the Philippine embassy is still confirming,” the embassy said.

“Let us continue being vigilant of our personal situations and monitor the advisories that we release. Let us follow Russia’s rules,” it added.

The embassy also advised Filipinos in Rostov-on-Don, Belgoro and other areas in the boundary of Russia and Ukraine to inform the embassy about their situation.

In case of emergency, Filipinos may reach the embassy through WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram +79067382538.