PHL readies C-130 planes for possible repatriation of Pinoys in Korean peninsula

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has readied two C-130 transport planes for the possible repatriation of Filipinos from South Korea in the event of a war against North Korea.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said the planes, which can carry a maximum of 120 passengers each, will ferry home the Filipinos if ordered by President Aquino, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

“The commanding general directed the preparations. There is still no escalation (yet). We are just making sure that we are ready” explained Okol, who said the contingency measure was ordered activated by Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.

In 2003, the Philippine Air Force used a C-130 plane to repatriate Filipinos from Myanmar, marred then by violence.

“The Philippine Air Force have contingency plans in place for the repatriation and evacuation of our countrymen in foreign lands. We just finalize details like the air route, ground handling, other support systems, plus DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) efforts to secure diplomatic clearance. Then we tailor it to a specific area or country as the need arise,” Okol said.

Full-blown war unlikely

North Korea announced on Saturday that it is in a state of war against South Korea.

However, the embassy of South Korea in the Philippines on Tuesday said a full-scale war between the two Koreas is “not likely” and will probably be confined to the demilitarized zone.

Still, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs urged Filipinos in South Korea to remain calm but alert after North Korea announced on Saturday that it was entering into a state of war against the South.

Seong Un Hwang, Counselor for Culture and Public Affairs, told "News to Go" host Howie Severino: “We don't think that North Korea will wage war... We don't think that it's likely.” - VVP, GMA News

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