Pinoy residents in Guam relieved after NoKor holds off attack


Filipino residents and government officials living in Guam expressed relief that North Korea held off its plan to fire missiles towards the area.
In a QRT interview on Tuesday, Philippine Consul General Marciano de Borja, however, said authorities remained alert amid the threats.
"Actually itong umaga nga napakaganda ng sinag ng araw, inaasahan nga natin na magkakaroon ng resolusyon itong nangyayaring tensyon at lumabas nga 'yung balita na nagbabago na nga 'yung isip ng pamunuan ng North Korea at maaaring umatras na rin," de Borja said.
"Nabuhayan kaagad ng loob 'yung mga tao gayunpaman kami bilang konsulado dito, minarapat namin na kunin muna ang pahayag ng government of Guam. Wala pa ring pagbabago 'yung sinasabi nila dahil hanggang sa ngayon, di pa rin naman malinaw na ma-confirm 'yung sinasabing nag-back down daw ang North Korea," de Borja added.
An official news agency in North Korea earlier reported that leader Kim Jong Un received a report from his military on its plans to fire missiles towards Guam and said he will watch the actions of the United States for a while before making a decision.
North Korea issued the threat after US President Donald Trump pronounced that Pyongyang will be met with "fire and fury" if it continues to threaten the United States.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has placed Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands under Alert Level 1 amid North Korea's nuclear missile threat.
Under Alert Level 1 (precautionary phase), Filipinos in Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota are urged to be aware of unfolding events and to continue monitoring reports from reliable media outlets and official advisories.
De Borja called on Filipino residents in Guam to remain vigilant and monitor the situation within their area.
"Panatiliin po muna natin 'yung alert level 1, ito naman po ay precautionary. Pinapakiusapan po natin ang ating mga kababayan dito sa Guam saka sa Northern Marianas na pagpatuloy po 'yung pagmasid natin, pagmonitor ng balita, 'yung ating grab bag, mga pasaporte," he said.
He also mentioned that despite threats, tourists still push through with visiting Guam.
"Normal ang pamumuhay dito, di naman po nagkakaroon ng pagbabawas sa hotel reservations, tour packages. Mas maraming pumupunta kaysa umaalis. Talaga pong normal ang pamumuhay at mapayapa ang kapaligiran dito," de Borja said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM, GMA News

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