Philippines calls for restraint amid US-Venezuela conflictA person flutters a national flag in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines yesterday called on the United States and Venezuela to exercise restraint following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation in Venezuela’s capital Caracas. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela. “The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” the DFA said. The Venezuelan government denounced the act of “extremely serious military aggression” by the US, which followed months of increasing tension.

Source: Philippine Star January 04, 2026 16:32 UTC