MANILA — The Philippine government has stepped up diplomatic monitoring and domestic security preparations following the United States’ major military operation in Venezuela, prompting Manila to issue safety advisories for Filipinos abroad and place police forces on alert at key locations at home.
In a statement Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is closely tracking developments in Venezuela after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“The Philippines is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said. “The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict.”
Escalona said the Philippine Embassy in Bogota, which serves as the country’s non-resident mission to 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 an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who claimed Washington had “successfully” carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement,” and claimed that Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country.
The Trump administration has previously accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, allegations that the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has heightened its alert status, particularly around the United States Embassy in Manila, amid the possibility of protest actions linked to the US operation.
PNP acting chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units have been placed on standby to ensure public order and safety.
“We are prepared for any protest action and similar activities. 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,” Nartatez said.
“Our units are closely monitoring the US Embassy and other critical locations. Mayroon tayong mga police personnel na naka-standby upang matiyak na magiging maayos at mapayapa ang mga lugar na ito,” he added.
Nartatez said he has directed local police units, particularly the Manila Police District and the National Capital Region Police Office, to maintain heightened vigilance and coordinate closely with local government and barangay officials.
“May dagdag tayo na presensiya ng ating kapulisan sa mga strategic locations para maagapan ang anumang posibleng kaguluhan. Sa ngayon wala pa naman tayong namo-monitor na mga kilos-protesta but we are anticipating na mayroong mga grupo na magkakasa ng mga pagkilos,” he said.
He added that PNP intelligence units have also been instructed to monitor social media platforms and public forums for any potential protest plans or emerging security threats./PN
