Malacañang on Wednesday sought to ease public concern over a potential Taiwan conflict following China’s recent military drills conducted in “multiple directions” around Taipei.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the government sees no reason for alarm, despite Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. urging Northern Luzon troops to prepare contingency plans in case of a Taiwan invasion.

“Opo, napakinggan po natin at nabasa rin po natin ang statements po ni AFP Chief Romeo Brawner at sa aming pagtanto ay hindi naman po dapat mabahala ang taumbayan patungkol po dito,” Castro said.

(Yes, we heard that and also read the statements of AFP Chief Romeo Brawner — and in our understanding, the public should not be overly concerned about this)

She acknowledged that the military should always be prepared, adding: “Tama lamang po na magkaroon po siya ng reminder sa buong troops, pati na rin po sa taumbayan na we should always be prepared in all contingencies, iyon lamang po.”

(It is only right for him to remind the entire troops, as well as the public, that we should always be prepared for all contingencies, and that’s all.)

Castro also assured the public that the government is ready to assist Filipinos in Taiwan should an emergency repatriation become necessary.

“Sa ganyang mga contingencies, kung magaganap, kung magaganap po, lagi po tayong handa,” she said.

(As regards those contingencies, in case this will happen, the government is always prepared for this)

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, has been separated from mainland China since 1949. Though the Philippines has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it maintains relations through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

General Brawner earlier emphasized the evolving nature of external security challenges and underscored the importance of readiness and expanded operational awareness. He said the Philippines would “inevitably be involved” if a conflict erupts, noting the presence of around 250,000 overseas Filipinos in Taiwan.

“And it will be the task of Northern Luzon Command to be at the front line of that operation,” he said.