Phl embassy: All Filipinos in Venezuela safe amid tensions

All Filipinos in Venezuela are safe amid tensions in the South American country, the Philippine Embassy in Colombia said on Monday, 5 January.

According to records from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are 74 Filipinos currently in Venezuela.

"Since January 3, we have been monitoring our countrymen through our group chat with the Filipino community," Chargé d’Affaires Judy Razon said in a radio interview.

"According to them, they are all in a safe situation. No one was hurt, no one was injured, and it is quiet in their areas so far," Razon said.

Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3 following what he described as a large-scale US-led military strike in Venezuela.

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

The Trump administration has previously accused Maduro of drug trafficking—claims the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied—saying Washington is intent on taking control of the country’s oil reserves, the largest in the world.

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