Safety first

PYONGYANG’S shelling of the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong last November 23 has been considered by the government of South Korea as a clear-armed provocation. South Korea now warns North Korea that it will ‘sternly retaliate’ to any further provocation. On the other hand, North Korea viewed the joint military exercises by the US and South Korea as a “prelude to invasion, ” igniting conflict.
The ongoing hostility between South Korea and North Korea is now a world issue. This incident gave us a new reality to an impending historical event that seemed virtual and made us aware about the seriousness of this matter.  We don’t need to be there to be haunted of the implications of this conflict. What we see and hear in the news is enough to make us take part in this story that is burdening the world.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, there are approximately 60,000 Filipinos in South Korea.  Many of them are young workers for small and medium employers in the industrial zones.  Meanwhile, very few Filipinos are working in North Korea, most of them are NGO workers involved in food aid.
The fear of hostility is an enough encouragement to have Filipinos in Korea sent home—before things get worse. Right now the trauma of separation and isolation plus the fear and anger lingers in the Korean nations.
With the possible escalation of the Korean conflict, Filipinos in Korea have started to pray for peace.  The South Korean government provided basic knowledge such as location of bomb shelters, how to wear gas masks, convergence points under different scenarios, and other basic survival tips.  However, the instructions are not as helpful to most Filipinos because they are mostly in Korean.
This is why the Philippine Embassy posted an advisory of the possible convergence areas if evacuation is necessary.  The local government will also provide for food and lodging in the convergence areas.
Transportation back to the Philippines will also arranged by plane or ship, and the Embassy promised that there would be no distinction between documented and undocumented Filipinos in Korea.  The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is already prepared to offer emergency flights to evacuate Filipinos in South Korea.
It is ironic that the world recently celebrated the 60th year anniversary of the Korean War.  There are enough civilians who suffered unspeakable anguish during wars in the past.  No one should go through that kind of experience anymore. Intense prayers for peace are now needed.
Although people around the world fervently hope for the dispute to end the possibility of the scenario getting worse still lingers and should not be taken for granted. Ensuring the safety of our kababayans in Korea should be a top priority.