MANILA — The Philippine government has urged restraint following actions by the United States in Venezuela, as it confirmed that it is closely monitoring developments after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In a statement on Sunday, January 4, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is tracking the situation and is ready to assist Filipinos who may be affected by the unfolding events.

“The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” the DFA said.

The DFA added that the Philippine Embassy in Colombia, which serves as the country’s non-resident mission for Venezuela, is prepared to provide assistance to Filipinos in the South American nation.

“The Philippine Embassy in Bogota, which serves as non-resident mission for Venezuela, has issued a travel and safety advisory to Filipinos in Venezuela, and stands ready to provide assistance to them, as necessary and appropriate, to keep them out of harm’s way,” it said.

On January 3 (Manila time), US President Donald Trump confirmed that American military forces had captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an overnight operation and transferred them to the United States to face criminal charges. Trump later said Washington would temporarily “run” Venezuela during a transition period.

Following the operation, residents in Caracas were reportedly forced to evacuate into the streets amid a series of blasts and the presence of aircraft flying at low altitudes.

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York.

According to Bondi, Maduro faces charges of “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”

“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said in a social media post on January 3, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Colombia advised Filipino nationals in Venezuela to remain cautious, stay updated on developments, and ensure they have access to emergency contact information.

The embassy may be reached through the following channels:

Email: bogota.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Phone/WhatsApp: +57 310 753 7926
Phone/WhatsApp: +57 310 396 6319
Facebook: facebook.com/phincolombia
Official website: www.bogotape.org
Instagram: @phincolombia