DFA monitors Venezuela situation after US captures Maduro

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, 4 January, said it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States and his transfer to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

“The Philippines is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a statement.

Escalona also urged concerned parties to “resolve disputes through peaceful means and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict.”

She said the Philippine Embassy in Bogotá, which serves as a non-resident mission for Venezuela, has issued a travel and safety advisory for Filipinos in the country.

“[It] stands ready to provide assistance to them, as necessary and appropriate, to keep them out of harm’s way,” she added.

In a separate advisory, the Philippine Embassy in Colombia urged Filipinos in Venezuela to stay alert, remain indoors, and identify safe spaces for refuge.

The embassy also advised Filipinos to closely monitor news updates from credible and reliable sources and to maintain a list of emergency contacts.

Based on DFA records, there are 74 Filipinos currently in Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife early Saturday, Jan. 3, following what he described as a “large scale strike” by US forces in Venezuela.

In a press conference, Trump said the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela during a transition period and “get the oil flowing.”

The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of drug trafficking—allegations the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied—while also claiming that Washington intends to take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world.

Maduro was brought to the United States to face several charges, including narco-terrorism, and is expected to appear before a Manhattan federal court next week.