FILIPINOS based in Taiwan can seek refuge in around 80,000 “shelters” there if tension between Beijing and Taipei escalates further.
This was the assurance given by Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairperson Cheloy Garafil, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, who said he inquired about MECO’s plan in case China attacks Taiwan.
Quoting Garafil, Tulfo said Taiwan has built over 80,000 shelters which can accommodate 40 million persons, or almost twice Taiwan’s population of 23 million, including some 200,000 Filipino workers and students.
The shelters are in various parts of Taiwan and people there have access to an online application where they can find the nearest shelter to stay in.
Garafil also said MECO has identified exit points and various means of transportation to bring the Filipinos home, in case the tension further escalates, he said.
Garafil also noted the Armed Forces has given the assurance that it is prepared to arrange aircraft and ships to bring Filipinos home.
Tulfo said he also inquired about the condition of the OFWs in Taiwan from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who confirmed the agency has been preparing for such scenario for two years in coordination with the Armed Forces and various other government agencies.
Cacdac said the department has a contingency manual with a whole-of-government approach, aside from allies who are ready to assist them in times of need, Tulfo said.
