By Marita Moaje
MANILA – Filipinos working and living in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are advised to exercise heightened caution amid a surge of violent incidents most especially around the capital Port Moresby and nearby towns.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Wednesday cautioned overseas Filpino Workers in PNG to stay vigilant.
“Hanggat maaari ay iwasang pumunta sa mga delikadong lugar at lumabas ng tahanan sa mga alanganing oras (As much as possible, avoid going to high-risk areas and leaving home especially at night),” the DMW posted on its Facebook page.
The DMW’s warning is based on an earlier security advisory by the Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby, urging Filipinos to get in touch and immediately report any Filipinos who may be affected and in need of urgent help.
In recent weeks, Papua New Guinea has been beset with a series of brutal attacks after two women were reportedly killed in separate incidents, with one of them abducted, gang-raped, and murdered by a group of over 20 men in Port Moresby.
In response, authorities have begun dismantling a nearby settlement where the incident occurred in search of the suspects.
These events have ignited public outrage and intensified discussions on the pervading issue of gender-based violence.
The United Nations, meanwhile, has denounced the violence and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, the UN noted that collective punishment and forced eviction, including property destructions, are blatant human rights violations.
The Philippine Embassy discourages unnecessary travels especially during late hours and urged Filipinos to contact its office via the (+675) 81537174 hotline or send an email to portmoresby.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shows that as of 2018, there were about 40,000 Filipinos in Papua New Guinea, mostly working in the services and agriculture sectors. (PNA)
