Filipinos in Korea advised not to join political protests

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The embassy said all Filipinos who may need any assistance may reach out via email at consular@philembassy-seoul.com or 010-9263-8119. (File photo: Jana Sabeth/Unsplash)

MANILA – Filipinos in South Korea are advised to refrain from joining public demonstrations, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul said Saturday in anticipation of massive protests in the coming days ahead of the President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling.

In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy in Korea reminded Filipinos that foreigners are prohibited from participating in local political activities under Korean laws.

“The Embassy advises all Filipino nationals to comply with all local laws and regulations to avoid any issues that may affect their stay in South Korea,” it said.

It also advised Filipino nationals to observe the usual precautions and to avoid crowded and congested public areas.

The embassy said all Filipinos who may need any assistance may reach out via email at consular@philembassy-seoul.com or 010-9263-8119.

Earlier this week, rival rallies for and against Yoon’s impeachment gathered a huge number of South Koreans as the Asian state’s Constitutional Court nears a decision on the suspended leader’s removal over his shock martial law declaration last year.

Yonhap news agency reported Friday that thousands are expected to gather in central Seoul, just outside of Gyeongbok Palace, this weekend to rally for or against Yoon amid continued delay in the impeachment ruling.

As the ruling is said to be imminent, protesters for and against Yoon are expected to engage in a last-minute showdown through their massive street rallies.

“At about the same time, rallies led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon and the conservative Christian group Save Korea will take place on a road between Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall, and Yeouido in western Seoul, respectively, to oppose Yoon’s impeachment,” Yonhap said.