PH flags developments in Venezuela, urges all parties to respect international law
The Philippines on Monday expressed concern over the developments in Venezuela as it called on all parties to respect international law and restore peace to ensure the well-being of all people living there, including Filipinos.
“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 state,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
It added that the Philippine government views the matter with concern, particularly its impact on peace and stability in the region, as well as rules-based international order.
“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,” the DFA said.
This came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington “successfully” carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela on Saturday. US troops also captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and flew them out of the country into the United States.
The couple is currently being kept in a jail in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro is set to appear in court to face the narco-terrorism charges used by the US government to justify his capture.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement.”
The Trump administration had previously accused Maduro of drug trafficking, allegations he repeatedly denied.
Police on alert
The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, said it was on alert for possible protests in front of the US Embassy in Manila.
“We are prepared for any protest action and similar activities. Our police units … are monitoring the situation in their respective areas and ready to respond to any eventuality,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Monday.
“Our units are closely monitoring the US Embassy and other critical locations. We have police personnel on standby to ensure that these places will be orderly and peaceful,” he added. —WITH A REPORT FROM JASON SIGALES
