Philippines expresses concern over rules-based international order

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday expressed concern over the evolving events in Venezuela, underscoring independence, sovereign equality of states and consequential impact on peace and stability in the region, as well as on the rules-based international order.

“While acknowledging the United States’ underlying security considerations, the Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The Philippines calls on concerned parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela and promote the safety and well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries,” it added.

US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia following an overnight joint US military extraction in Caracas.

Trump added that both Maduro and his also-captured wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, will now face criminal court proceedings tied to a 2020 indictment from the US Department of Justice on multiple federal charges, including narcoterrorism and drug trafficking.

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said that the US intended to “run Venezuela” until there is a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power.

As the country with the world’s largest oil reserves, he said Venezuela would only benefit as US oil companies modernize and renovate infrastructure “to make money for the country.”

On Sunday, the Philippines urged the US and Venezuela to exercise restraint following the capture of Maduro in the US military operation.

The Philippine embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which serves as non-resident mission for Venezuela, has issued a travel and safety advisory to Filipinos in Venezuela.

The DFA said the embassy “stands ready to provide assistance to them, as necessary and appropriate, to keep them out of harm’s way.”

Based on DFA records, there are 74 Filipinos in Venezuela.

‘Hardly any impact’

The ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela has hardly any impact on the Philippine economy, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said yesterday.

“With respect to the impact of Venezuela, there is hardly anything, I don’t think that there’s going to be any perceptible effect on us. Unless that will have some duplication elsewhere… involve some other governments to do similar things. And of course, that will have indirect effect on us,” Balisacan said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

He noted that “our link, directly and indirectly, with the Venezuela economies is not strong.”

PNP on alert

Police units are on alert for possible protests in the country following US actions in Venezuela.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday ordered police to closely monitor the US embassy in Manila and other critical areas for mass demonstrations.

Nartatez instructed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Manila Police District to remain vigilant and coordinate with local governments and barangay officials in ensuring the rallies are orderly and peaceful.

“Our police units, especially in Metro Manila and other urban areas, are monitoring the situation in their respective areas and ready to respond to any eventuality,” he said in a statement.

Intelligence operatives are monitoring social media platforms and public forums for potential protest plans by cause-oriented groups.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said their civil disturbance management units are ready for protest actions.

Activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan condemned the US military attack which it said is a clear act of imperialist aggression and a grave violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Bayan secretary general Raymond Palatino said Maduro’s “kidnapping” by US forces constitutes a brazen act of state-sponsored and military aggression, violating the UN Charter’s provision on the use of force against sovereign states.

“What is happening in Venezuela today once again exposes the true nature of US imperialism as a principal source of war, instability and repression in the world,” Palatino said in a message sent on Viber. — Helen Flores, Emmanuel Tupas