27 May 2006 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. gives assurances that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste have taken the appropriate steps in protecting the approximately 200 Filipinos in Timor-Leste in light of the security situation there.  In a briefing before members of the media at his office, the Undersecretary said that Special Envoy Roy Cimatu is on his way to Dili to evaluate the evacuation plans drawn up by the Embassy as well as to assess the situation on Timor-Leste.  Undersecretary Conejos stated that the Philippine Air Force has also made available on stand-by two C-130 transport aircraft – one in Darwin, Australia and another in Davao City – which are ready to fly into Dili in case an evacuation is needed.  The Undersecretary likewise reiterated the Department’s advisory to Filipinos to avoid traveling to Timor-Leste at this time, and for Filipinos in Timor-Leste to remain indoors and keep in constant communication with the Embassy.  Undersecretary Conejos added that Chief Inspector Edgar Layon, who was wounded in Dili last 23 May 2006, is now out of danger and recuperating at a hospital in Darwin, Australia.  (Photo by Benjie Remo)