PH STRONGLY CONCERNED OVER MISSILE ATTACKS VS SAUDI ARABIA 

 

The Philippines today expressed its strong concern over the spate of ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia as  this endangers the lives of close to one million Filipino workers. 

 

“The Philippines is strongly concerned over the series of ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the recent launches targeting populated areas of Riyadh, as this puts innocent civilians, including many of our kababayans there, at serious risk,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

 

In his statement, Secretary Cayetano, also expressed hope that the conflict in Yemen could be resolved soon for the sake of regional peace and stability. 

 

“It is our fervent hope and prayer that a solution be found to the conflict in Yemen so that we could help bring about peace and stability in the Arabian Peninsula,” Secretary Cayetano said.

 

The Secretary also expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for keeping Filipino workers safe despite the two ballistic missile attacks that have targeted Riyadh.

 

“The Philippines is thankful to Saudi Arabia for continuing to ensure the safety and security not only of its citizens but also of our kababayans there,” Secretary Cayetano said. 

 

Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan Alonto reported on Tuesday the successful interception by Saudi authorities of a ballistic missile launched from Yemen that targeted a populated area in Riyadh. The latest attack came a month after a similar missile was intercepted near the country’s international airport.

 

Ambassador Alonto said that despite the attacks, the situation in Riyadh remains normal and is “business as usual” in the Kingdom. 

 

Ambassador Alonto assured Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia and their families in the Philippines that contingency plans are in place to ensure that the Embassy would be able to lead Filipinos to safety in case the situation escalates. END