Opponents of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demonstrate in Doral, Florida, on January 4, 2026. Venezuela's deposed president Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon on January 5, to be formally notified about the charges against him, the court said. Photo by Giorgio Viera/AFP
MANILA — The Philippines on Monday said it "views with concern" the situation in Venezuela following a US military operation that seized its leader Nicolas Maduro, highlighting the event's "consequential impact on peace and stability in the region as well as on the rules-based international order."
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In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that while it acknowledges US' "underlying security considerations," it also reminded parties of principles of international law such as "non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states."
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"[T]he Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states," the DFA said.
The DFA called on concerned parties to honor international law and prevent escalation of conflict for the "well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries."
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Progressive Filipino lawmakers, activist and labor groups have earlier denounced the US military operation for violating Venezuela's sovereignty and for potentially weakening the Philippines' position in the West Philippine Sea, where it has been protesting Chinese presence and activity.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday said the US operation has “potential worrying implications for the region” and could set a dangerous precedent. —With reports from Agence France-Presse and Jonathan de Santos, ABS-CBN News
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