The Philippine Embassy in South Korea has advised Filipinos to avoid crowded areas in the coming days due to expected public assemblies and protests related to the domestic political situation in Korea.

In an advisory issued on 22 March, the Embassy reminded Filipinos that South Korean law prohibits foreigners from engaging in local political activities, including public demonstrations.

“The Embassy reminds Filipinos that under the laws of the Republic of Korea, foreigners are prohibited from participating in local political activities, including public demonstrations, under Article 17 of the Immigration Control Act,” the Embassy posted on Facebook.

There are approximately 68,000 Filipinos living in South Korea.

The advisory comes amid rising political tensions in South Korea, where opposition parties are seeking to impeach acting President Choi Sang-mok for failing to appoint a judge to the Constitutional Court, despite a top court ruling that his inaction violates parliamentary authority. Choi became acting president after the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol on 14 December, following his controversial and brief martial law declaration.

Mindfulness of host country laws

Meanwhile, earlier this week, hundreds of Filipinos gathered outside the International Criminal Court in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Approximately 300-400 Filipino supporters also gathered at the Philippine Consulate General in New York and marched in Times Square.

In light of these events, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac reminded Filipinos overseas on March 18 to follow the laws of their host countries.

“OFWs have always been mindful of their role as good citizens and residents of the host country. They should comply with local laws and be open-minded about the issues,” Cacdac said.