MANILA — The Philippine government urged its citizens in Venezuela to stay vigilant and remain indoors amid deteriorating security following a reported U.S. military operation that President Donald Trump said resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Saturday that U.S. forces had successfully carried out the operation and removed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Venezuela.
The Philippine Embassy in Bogotá, which handles consular affairs for Venezuela, issued guidance reminding Filipinos to identify safe locations for shelter, follow credible news sources and stay connected with other community members through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
“Maintain a list of emergency contacts,” the embassy said in its advisory. It also asked citizens to ensure their current contact details — including name, address, mobile number and email — are on file with the embassy.
Filipinos needing assistance can contact the embassy at bogota.pe@dfa.gov.ph, by phone at +57 310 753 7926 or +57 310 396 6319, or through its Facebook page at facebook.com/phincolombia.
The operation follows longstanding U.S. accusations that Maduro has been involved in drug trafficking that has fueled narcotics flows into the United States — charges the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.
