Pinoys in Guam confident US can thwart NoKor missile attack



By LUCKY MAE F. QUILAO
Amid North Korea's threat to send nuclear missiles to the waters off Guam, Filipinos in the US territory are staying put, noting the US military's capability to thwart such an attack.
"My family and I would not leave Guam. I'm confident with the US military's capabilities," said 48-year-old Nette Trinidad, an accounts payable specialist in a Tamuning-based private office, in an interview online.
The threat came in reaction to US President Donald Trump's warning to North Korea that it would face "fire and fury" if it threatened the United States.
Guam is home to two large US military bases.
Under this alert leve, 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.
Like Trinidad,  Charlemagne Parial, a 32-year-old computer support specialist in Guam Seventh-Day Adventist Clinic, is not going to let his fear affect his life as an OFW in Guam.
"Mas iniisip ko yung responsibilities ko dito, for my family, and with my employer. We have bills to pay so hindi kami puwedeng basta umalis dito," he said.
"Ayoko rin mag-panic kasi magpa-panic din misis ko. I trust the Lord more than any threats na dumating," Parial added.
Parial said he doesn't believe that the North Korea would fulfill its threat. "Personally, bluff lang ang NK. Wala silang pera to waste a test missile dito," he said.
"Sigurado na pupulbusin sila ng US for revenge if ever that happens," he added.
Manuel Felipe, 47, IT specialist at the Philippine National Bank-Guam Branch, will not leave unless advised, too.
“The Government of Guam has not escalated the emergency situation as yet. No plans to vacate Guam at this time unless there is eminent danger, at which case I might reconsider my options,” he said during the online interview.

“Like most residents, I am very concerned that Guam is getting the brunt of the aggression between the United States and Korea. However, being afraid will not help anyone. I remain optimistic that Guam will have the full protection of the US and the support of its allies," Felipe added. —KBK, GMA News

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