Pinoys in Cambodia urged to exercise caution
The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia urged Filipinos living there to stay calm as Thailand and Cambodian authorities start talks to end their border conflict spanning decades.
“In light of concerns and queries on the current domestic situation, the Philippine Embassy calls on Filipinos in Cambodia and their families to remain calm as efforts continue towards the peaceful resolution of the border conflict between concerned countries,” the embassy said in an advisory on Monday.
“The meeting between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur today is a positive development that will hopefully lead to a lasting ceasefire at remote border areas and durable peace for both countries,” it added.
Filipinos were asked to “exercise caution” and “strictly adhere to the safety instructions of local authorities,” especially for those living in remote border areas.
They were also advised to avoid nonessential travel to border provinces and to stay away from military forces, weapon systems, as well as facilities in border conflict areas.
Embassy contact details
Those who want to contact the Philippine Embassy for their concerns can get in touch through its hotline, +855 98888771, or via email at phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were set to meet in Malaysia on Monday in an urgent effort to resolve deadly border clashes that entered a fifth day despite mounting international calls for peace.
The meeting was to be hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his official residence as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc.
The 800-kilometer (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The latest tensions erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift.
Fighting flared on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 260,000 others on both sides.
Fighting ongoing
Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand shut all border crossings with Cambodia, with an exception for migrant Cambodian workers returning home.
Troops from both sides reported ongoing fighting Monday along border areas. Gunfire could be heard as dawn broke in Samrong in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, Associated Press (AP) reporters covering the conflict said.
“I hope this can work,” Anwar was quoted as saying by Malaysian national news agency Bernama. “Although it’s not as bad as many other countries, we have to put a stop [to the violence].”
The meeting followed direct pressure from United States President Donald Trump, who has warned that the US may not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continue.
The violence marks a rare instance of open military confrontation between Asean member states, a 10-nation regional bloc that has prided itself on non-aggression, peaceful dialogue and economic cooperation. —WITH A REPORT FROM AP
