Safety of Filipinos in Taiwan assured amid China tensions, says MECO

TAIPEI — Filipinos in Taiwan can take cover in "shelters" in case of attacks, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairman and Resident Representative Silvestre Bello III said.

Bello was allaying concerns about the safety of Filipinos' in Taiwan amid tensions with China and the upcoming presidential elections in January next year. 

The former Philippine Labor secretary said Taiwan authorities have given him assurance that the situation is peaceful and very safe in the country, which is hosting some 150,000 Filipinos.

"Filipinos are entitled to get inside these shelters at any given time," said Bello.

Bello did not provide details about the locations of these "shelters" but said he personally saw them.

Bello said the existence of these "shelters" showed Taiwan takes the security and wellbeing of everyone living and working there seriously.

"This is to convince us that they are prepared for any eventuality. They are also concerned about the safety of our countrymen who are working here," he said. —LDF/KBK, GMA Integrated News