Amid continued riots in the United Kingdom, the Philippine government still sees no need to impose a ban on the deployment of Filipinos there.
"Wala pang recommendation ang embassy at mga authorities natin na gumawa ng travel advisory para sa London (Neither the embassy or our authorities there have made any recommendation to issue a travel advisory)," Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said in an interview on dwIZ radio Wednesday.
Still, Hernandez reminded Filipinos in the UK to avoid commercial districts in parts of London where rioting and looting still occur.
"Patuloy ang pag-monitor ng embahada with the Filipino community leaders para malaman kung meron tayong kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong (We continue to monitor the situation along with Filipino community leaders to see if Filipinos there need help)," he said.
Hernandez added the embassy in the UK has contingency plans in place, as well as a hotline Filipinos there can call: 00-44-780-279-0695.
At the same time, Hernandez said the Philippine Embassy in the UK also coordinates constantly with the UK Metropolitan Police and Diplomatic Protection Group in London.
But he said the embassy issued an advisory to Filipinos there to be careful and avoid going to riot areas.
"Huwag muna pumunta sa business at shopping centers kung saan nangyayari ang mga looting at ibang krimen (Don't go to business centers and shopping centers where looting and crimes are likely)," he added.
On the other hand, Hernandez said the Philippine Embassy is hoping the deployment of police to control the riots will eventually end the disorder.
Also, he maintained no Filipino has so far been among the injured in the riots.
Citing DFA records, Hernandez said there are 250,000 to 300,000 Filipinos in the UK, most of whom are in Greater London.
Most of them work as nurses and professionals in hotels, and as caregivers and domestic helpers, he said. — RSJ
