President Rodrigo Duterte will hold a “special meeting” with Cabinet members, police and military officials, and businessmen to discuss what is happening in Europe, particularly the Russian occupation of Ukraine.
In his recorded Talk to the People released last night, Duterte said he wanted to hear what should be known about what is happening in the special meeting.
“Tomorrow, there will be — I will be calling for a special meeting. We will discuss about what is evolving or what’s happening in Europe. Gusto kong makinig kayo kung gaano kaimportante na malaman natin ang lahat itong nangyayari ngayon,” said Duterte.
Duterte has appointed Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles to be the spokesperson for what will be discussed.
Duterte said he has already invited everyone to exchange ideas between the police and military and businessmen to determine how to respond to the crisis in Europe that is expected to impact the Philippines, especially on oil prices and essential commodities.
Duterte assured that he would share what to talk about with the people.
Earlier, America, Canada, and European Union member countries imposed sanctions against Russia after the start of the occupation of Ukraine. Measures included freezing bank deposits shutting down gas pipelines and military exports.
Duterte will convene ‘special meeting’ on Ukraine crisis
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced on Wednesday that 17 Filipinos who have left Ukraine are scheduled to arrive in the Philippines.
In an interview with Dobol B TV, Bello said that 17 Filipinos were flown in from Poland after being evacuated to Ukraine, which Russia has attacked.
Bello praised Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., for personally bringing Filipinos to Lviv, Ukraine.
Bello also said that there are Filipinos who do not want to return to the Philippines.
They are reportedly staying in Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine, waiting for the situation to calm down.
On February 18, six Filipinos also returned from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, according to the DFA, 21 Filipino seafarers from Ukraine arrived safely at the border of the Republic of Moldova.
The all-Filipino crew of the MV S-Breeze from Chornomosk, Ukraine, was flown with the assistance of the Philippine Honorary Consul in Moldova Victor Gaina and coordination of the Philippine Embassy in Budapest.
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