Pinoys in Taiwan advised: Travel in groups, practice restraint


Amid the ongoing tension between the Philippines and Taiwan over the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman on May 9, Filipinos in Taiwan were advised on Tuesday to travel in groups and to practice "restraint."
 
The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) issued these pieces of advice as it dissuaded Filipinos from responding angrily to possible taunts and challenges from some Taiwanese.
 
"The true character of a people is best tested during difficult times. Kung may galit, hindi tama na ibaling ang galit sa walang kinalaman. At hindi rin tama na salubungin ang galit," MECO said in an advisory posted on its website Tuesday.
 
Since the May 9 incident, some Filipinos experienced harassment by some Taiwanese who were outraged over the death of the fisherman.

Declining
 
However, MECO head Amadeo Perez Jr. said the incidents appeared to be declining since Sunday.
 
In the meantime, the MECO said it is "working full time to resolve the crisis" and is trying to "look after you, but we need you to make it easier for us."
 
"Keep safe in the company of friends and avoid places that may expose you to ridicule or physical danger. Iwasan ang lugar na may inuman," it advised.
 
However, if Filipinos are challenged or insulted, they should avoid a confrontation, MECO urged.
 
"We are a proud people but these times call for restraint," it said.
 
When reporting cases of abuse or ill treatment, MECO also advised Filipinos to "avoid making up or exaggerating stories."

MECO contact details
 
The MECO said it can be contacted at:
 
Taipei
02-25079803
02-25079804
02-25081719
0927-154981
0910-104009
0922-060496
0932-218057
 
Taichung
04-23029089
04-23029080
0958-175359
0932-657661
 
Kaohsiung
7-3982475
07-3985935
07-3985936
0911-868768
 
The other numbers include:
Police: 110
Emergency: 119
CLA: 1955
 
Email:
claquino@meco.org.tw
steulogio@meco.org.tw
tolitzen@hotmail.com
marioimolina@yahoo.com
labattrdc59@yahoo.com
- VVP, GMA News

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