FILIPINOS TO URGENTLY LEAVE LEBANON AFTER SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Philippine embassy in Beirut has reiterated its strong calls for Filipinos in Lebanon to leave the country while they can still avail of commercial flights after an unprecedented series of explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies across Lebanon.

Lebanon was rocked earlier by a series of explosions when hundreds of pagers belonging to Hezbollah members blast simultaneously. 

At least 37 people were killed and nearly 3,000 wounded across two days after explosions across Lebanon; no Filipinos were hurt on the tragedy (Photo courtesy of AFP/Philippine Star)

“Lebanon experienced unprecedented explosions of beepers, resulting in at least 11 confirmed fatalities and over 2,800 injuries,” the embassy said.

As there had to be a step-up in the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, he explosions predominantly occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut, South Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The DFA said no Filipinos were hurt in the recent detonations.

"That's the positive news I could share. Absolutely no Filipinos were affected. You will note from the announcement that the deaths were connected with the Hezbollah and we'd like to think that there are no Filipinos who are members. So no Filipinos were reportedly injured during the successive days of the attacks," DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega stated.

The blasts claimed 12 lives and injured up to 2,800. A fresh attack followed the next day, with walkie-talkies exploding, killing at least 20 people and wounding 450. "You can't really do anything if there is a country or organization which managed to make such an operation resulting in the deaths of many Hezbollah members," De Vega said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy strongly urges all Filipino nationals to consider leaving the country while commercial flights are still available. “Your safety and well-being are of utmost priority. Those who intend to remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the embassy.”

The embassy also advised Filipinos to ensure that all important documents like passports and iqamas are at hand and to closely monitor local and international news. Also to avoid large gatherings and to be aware of their surroundings.

“Everyone is reminded to stay in touch with the Philippine embassy in Lebanon and the Migrant Workers Office for voluntary repatriation and to update their status. The Philippine embassy understands that this may be a challenging time, and we are here to support you throughout this process. Your prompt action is crucial to ensure your safety and well-being,” it added.

The DFA also said, "We cannot advise Filipinos not to operate cell phones. That's why the embassy is just informing Filipinos to stay at home as much as possible and not make unnecessary travels across the country.”

Since last year, Lebanon has been hoisted under Alert Level 3 which DFA is allowing for the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos. 

Source: Philippine Star  

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