PHILIPPINE EMBASSY STRONGLY URGED FILIPINOS IN LEBANON TO LEAVE COUNTRY

Filipino citizens are urged to leave Lebanon as tension rises while the airport is still operational (Photo courtesy of Rabih DAHER/Agence France-Presse)

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon released an advisory for all Filipinos in the country to urgently leave Lebanon while the airport is still open amid the all-out war between Iran-backed group Hezbollah and Israel.

“The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon strongly urges all Filipino citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport remains operational. We advise all Filipino nationals to prioritize their safety and depart the country as soon as possible,” the advisory reads.

The department issued the urgent call as the situation in the country gets more intense and that there are “indications of an imminent attack by Israel on Hezbollah positions.” The shooting of Hezbollah's senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month and the death of Hamas' top political leader in Tehran have raised concerns about a possible wider battle in the area, as Hezbollah has threatened to respond against Israel.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there 1,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, more than 300 have returned home. While 738 Filipino nationals earlier requested repatriation but 45 still have papers pending with immigration. 15 cannot leave due to ongoing court cases while 322 have withdrawn their applications.

“In effect, the Embassy is saying that conditions in Beirut may look safe, but you never know. So, you should leave while you still can. Other countries are making similar calls to their citizens.”

Philippine Ambassador in Lebanon said that there are no OFWs residing in border towns near the Blue Line where most of the fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah is taking place.

“If you are unable to leave Lebanon, we strongly recommend that you evacuate to safer areas outside of Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley,” the embassy said.

“The safety and security of every Filipino citizen is our top priority. We urge you to act swiftly and follow the above instructions to ensure your safety,” it added.

Fearing that the conflict would expand to the nation north of Israel and Palestine, the Philippines has begun repatriating its citizens who were living in Lebanon. August 1 marked the return of three minors and 19 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Manila in a recent batch of repatriates.

Source: Philippine News Agency 

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]