MECO's Garafil says it's business as usual in Taiwan

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Thursday there is no cause for alarm and it is business as usual in Taiwan despite China's military exercises around the area.

In a statement, MECO chairperson and Resident Representative Cheloy Garafil ensured that a contingency plan is in place should there be a ''Taiwan invasion'' following Beijing's activities in the area.

She said MECO appreciates the directive of Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. for the Northern Luzon Command to provide assistance to Filipinos in Taiwan in case the need arises.

''However, there is no cause for alarm because everyone here in Taiwan is conducting business as usual. Filipinos here in Taiwan are used to reports of China's presence around the territory,'' Garafil said.

''MECO and the Department of Migrant Workers-Migrant Workers Office (DMW-MWO) have a Contingency Plan in place, which is ready to be activated in any emergency situations,'' she added.

She said MECO is also in close coordination with Taiwan authorities regarding any security concerns.  

''But at the moment, there’s no need to worry because we are generally safe and [secured] here,'' Garafil said.

China's military on Tuesday said it had sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan for drills it said were aimed at practicing a blockade of the self-ruled island, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.

According to Beijing, the military drills were aimed at sending a "stern warning and forceful deterrence" to alleged separatists in Taiwan. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News