Manila (11 October) -- "Learning from the lessons of the recent past, the government has made preparations for every contingency that will require taking our nationals out of harm's way."

This was the statement issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as another conflict becomes more emergent between the two Korean nations.

"The actions of this government in the case of the evacuations from Iraq and Lebanon are a case in point," she explained.

The Chief Executive said her government has contingency plans that act as a protective mantle over the Filipino nationals in all corners of the globe, whose safety and security are our primary concern.

At this point in time, President Arroyo believes that "it may be still premature to put evacuation plans in motion as far as Korea is concerned, but we have instructed the DFA and the DOLE to be ready and prepared at all times."