SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed concern for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan amid the mounting tension between the self-governed island, China and the United States.

“I am deeply concerned for the safety and welfare of our OFWs working in various parts of East Asia because of increasing tension among stakeholders over Taiwan,” said Go in a statement on Tuesday.

He urged the Department of Migrant Workers to prepare a contingency plan in case the situation deteriorates.

He said the plan must include “potential assistance and reintegration programs” should the concerned OFWs be required to return home to the Philippines.

“Let us protect the lives of every Filipino wherever they are in the world, especially the OFWs whom we consider our modern heroes, who work abroad so they could support their families back home,” the senator said.

Go expressed hope that the countries involved will exercise restraint and find peaceful solutions.

“Our world, still reeling from the adverse effects of the current health crisis, cannot afford another catastrophe with potentially unspeakable consequences,” he said.

Tensions over Taiwan escalated after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island on August 2.

China, which views Taiwan not as a sovereign state, but as a breakaway province, condemned the visit and conducted military drills around the island.