Department of Foreign Affairs (PNA file photo)
MANILA — Filipinos in Moscow are advised to refrain from traveling and to take necessary precautions as the Russian paramilitary group Wagner takes arms against the Russian military leadership.
As the escalation of tensions rose on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take necessary measures against the group as he accused Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin of leading an “armed mutiny”.
A Reuters report on Saturday said a "convoy of rebel mercenaries advanced more than halfway towards Moscow" after it seized the city of Rostov overnight.
In the capital, the Philippine Embassy said Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has already put in place “counter-terrorism measures” in the entire city, including strict traffic control and prohibition of assemblies.
“May mga kaganapan din po sa Rostov-on-Don, tulad ng pag-galaw ng mga militar doon, na kinukumpirma pa ng Embhada ("There are also events in Rostov-on-Don, such as military movements there, which the Embassy is still confirming),” it added.
The Embassy advised all Filipinos living in the country to follow local advisories; be alert when in crowded places; and avoid posting political commentaries on social media.
It also asked Filipinos living in Rostov-on-Don, Belgorod, and other areas near the boundary of Russia and Ukraine to inform the Embassy about their conditions.
In case of emergency, Filipinos may reach the Philippine Embassy at +79067382538 (WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram). (PNA)
