MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte warned the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday to be ready for a possible spillover of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine into Asia.
Duterte stated at the graduation rituals of the PNP Academy “Alab-Kalis” Class of 2022 in Silang, Cavite, that he had met with police and military officials to warn them about the potential spillover of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into the Philippines.
“Nagwa-warning lang ako (I’m just giving a warning) that things might go overboard. Itong gulo na ‘yun. Isang pagkakamali diyan, may problema na tayo (If this conflict gets worse, we will have a problem),” he said.
Duterte did not elaborate his recent discussion with PNP and AFP officials, but stated that he had ordered the Philippine military to be “ready” in the event that Russia initiates a nuclear war against Ukraine.
“Kaya sinabi ko, tinawag ko ‘yung PNP pati yung armed forces. Sinabi ko kapag magulo na, trabaho na ng pulis pati army iyan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Be ready for that (I had a meeting with PNP and armed forces. I told them that if the situation becomes chaotic, the police and the army, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, must do their job. Be ready for that),” he said.
Duterte issued the warning after acknowledging the possibility that the Russia-Ukraine crisis may be out of control.
He emphasized once again that it would be a “serious problem” if Russia escalated its attack against Ukraine by using nuclear weapons.
“Kaya pag ganoong magulo (If it becomes uncontrollable), it’s war. We may be dragged into or something might really happen also kasi kasama-kasama iyan eh. Inyong problema na (that’s the possible effect. That will be your problem),” he said. “Kung hindi mangyayari, magpasalamat tayo sa Diyos (If it will not happen, let’s thank the Lord).”
Troops commended
Nonetheless, Duterte commended the Philippine troops for living up to their mandate to serve and protect the country, despite the recent global challenges.
“I commend you for remaining true to your mission to keep citizens safe amidst the recent struggles and uncertainties that the world is facing,” he said.
On April 8, Duterte conducted a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and their concern over a possible spillover of war into Asia.
Duterte and Xi expressed hope for a peaceful settlement of conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the United Nations’ estimates, about 2,072 civilians have been killed and 2,818 have sustained injuries in Ukraine amid the war.
Over 4.9 million Ukrainians have fled to other nations, with over seven million more internally displaced, the UN refugee agency said.
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