NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — As the conflict between the European nation and Russia worsens, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned Filipinos in Ukraine to remain watchful and maintain touch with Philippine authorities.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he had authorized a “special military operation” in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region and had asked Ukrainian troops to lay down their weapons.

As the situation worsens, Ukrainian authorities announce a state of emergency across the country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw is on “high alert,” and the DFA is working with other countries to ensure that Filipinos who wish to return home may do so safely.

“Poland eventually consented to let us through without EU visas; Russia has yet to respond to our plea regarding its closest border. The majority of Filipinos in Ukraine are appreciative visitors who want to stay with their kind neighbors “In a tweet, he said.

At least 181 Filipinos in Ukraine, out of an estimated 350, have so far coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, which has jurisdiction over the country.

Four Filipinos are expected to arrive in Manila on Friday.

Repatriation is voluntary in the Philippines, which is at the Alert Level 2 or restriction phase, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola.

“As Secretary Locsin stated, our primary priority is to get our Filipino brothers and sisters in Ukraine out of harm’s way and to the nearest safe havens as quickly as possible. Our Warsaw, Budapest, and Moscow Posts, as well as the rest of our European Posts, are ready for anything “In a news conference on Thursday, she informed reporters.

“For the time being, we ask our kababayans in Ukraine not to panic but to exercise caution and watch their movement, to maintain their vigilance, and to keep in touch with the Philippine Embassy Team in Lviv or the Consulate General in Kyiv if they want assistance,” she added.

Arriola stated that the DFA would assist all Filipinos who wish to return home, regardless of the situation on the ground, and that they would be the last to go.

“Our Filipinos, particularly those who work and have families in the United States, must consider a number of factors before deciding to return home, so these issues are on their thoughts. What the DFA is doing is promising to help them if they decide to come to Ukraine, as well as assisting them if they decide to relocate somewhere in Ukraine “she stated

According to many accounts, explosions could be heard in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, before daybreak.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, posted on Twitter on Thursday morning that Russia had initiated a “full-scale invasion” of Ukraine and that many cities were under strike, describing the move as a “war of aggression.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called on Russia to withdraw its military and completely respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and said the European Union would take “additional restrictive measures” against Moscow as soon as possible.

On the other hand, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres pleaded with Russia to withdraw its soldiers and avoid a war.

“Under the current conditions, I must amend my appeal: President Putin, return your troops to Russia in the name of humanity.” This war must come to an end right now “he stated

“Not to start what could be the most disastrous conflict since the turn of the century in the name of mankind.”

Free-roaming data is provided by telecommunications companies.

Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., the country’s two largest telecommunications operators, have extended free-roaming data, calls, and messages to Filipinos in Ukraine.

Globe Telecom Inc. (Globe) announced on Thursday that its users in Ukraine will receive 15 minutes of free-roaming calls, 15 messages, and one gigabit (GB) of data.

To take advantage of the free service, Globe customers must first connect with one of the company’s roaming partners, Life or Kyivstar, and then wait for a confirmation message confirming the free-roaming service.

“There is no need to register because this goodwill offer will be automatically offered to Globe subscribers in Ukraine,” Globe added.

As part of its support for the local Filipino community, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has offered 1 GB of free data to its “nearly 1,000” roaming clients in Ukraine.

The offer is good for five days, according to Smart, and users in Ukraine should go to gigaroam.smart.com.ph to use Smart’s data roaming manager.

Pray for world peace.

Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao has invited the Catholic people to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine with Pope Francis on March 2, Ash Wednesday.

“Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally declared war and invasion on Ukraine, urging all Ukrainian service members to lay down their arms if they still wish to see their families,” the bishop wrote on the Saint Joseph Husband of Mary Parish Kayapa’s Facebook page on Thursday.

“Let us urge our families, friends, communities, and parishioners to pray for peace and the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine on Ash Wednesday,” he said, adding that “the satanic evil of violence is answered with the weapons of God, prayer, and fasting — Pope Francis.”

The Office of Communications of the Archdiocese of Manila has also joined the appeal to pray for Ukraine and its people.

“May the Lord lead and protect them in the face of war.” May the Blessed Mother keep them safe under her protection’s cloak. In a subsequent Facebook post, it stated, “Amen.”

In a social media post, the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Manila said, “Let us also offer to the Lord the settlement between Ukraine and Russia.”

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