Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines is urging peaceful resolution and restraint after the United States attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, Jan. 4, said the Philippines is closely monitoring the “evolving situation” in Venezuela.
“The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” the DFA said.
US President Donald Trump approved the “Operation Absolute Resolve” to capture Maduro and his wife early Saturday morning, Jan. 3 (US time). During the operation, the American military carried airstrikes to hit Venezuelan military targets.
In a news conference, Trump said the US would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.”
Maduro was indicted on various US charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. His wife, Cilia Flores, also faces charges, including cocaine importation conspiracy.
Trump also talked repeatedly about Venezuela’s oil reserves during his news conference, adding that a US occupation will be reimbursed from the “money coming out of the ground.”
The Philippine Embassy in Colombia, which serves as non-resident mission for Venezuela, has advised Filipinos to stay alert, informed, and maintain a list of emergency contacts.
The DFA also said the embassy is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos in Venezuela “as necessary and appropriate, to keep them out of harm’s way.” – with reports from Reuters
