PHL Consulate on alert for possible evacuation amid Zimbabwe tension

The Philippine Consulate in Mozambique is on alert in the event of a mass evacuation following the reported military takeover of neighboring Zimbabwe.

Although the situation in the southern African nation is relatively calm at present, the consulate is still ready in case an evacuation becomes necessary, News To Go reported on Thursday, citing Consul Donald Tulcidas.

The number of Filipinos in Zimbabwe is unknown. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were previously banned from going to the country due to the alleged refusal of the Zimbabwean government to coordinate with its Philippine counterpart on the protection of workers’ rights.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is also currently gathering information on the state of affairs in Zimbabwe.

International media reported that military leaders have seized control of the Zimbabwe's state TV, deployed troops and vehicles in capital Harare, and placed its veteran president, Robert Mugabe, in detention.

Mugabe is 93 and has been the country’s leader for 37 years.

The military has denied a coup is underway, saying they are only “targeting criminals” around Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state.

The takeover followed the firing of the Zimbabwean Vice President, making Mugabe’s wife, the First Lady, the front-runner as her husband’s successor, according to BBC News.

Mugabe is reported to be safe. —Nicole-Anne Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News