Philippines still mulling over recognition of new Libya government

The pre-1969 Libyan flag is hoisted at the embassy of Libya in the Philippines as Libyan diplomats declared that they are withdrawing support to strongman Moammar Gadhafi on Wednesday. AFP

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has yet to officially recognize Libya’s rebel-led National Transitional Council as the Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing its evaluation of the situation in that country, a Malacañang spokesman said Saturday.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the DFA officials have asked for more time before issuing a statement on the matter as the monitoring continues.

“What’s important for us is the protection of our OFW’s (overseas Filipino workers),” Lacierda said over the government-run radio station dzRB.

On Wednesday, the Libyan Embassy in the Philippines defected to the rebels’ side, raising the red, black and green flag of the anti-Gadhafi forces.

Around 1,600 Filipinos are still believed to be in Libya, many of them nurses treating casualties of the months-long uprising against Moammar Gadhafi. With Agence France-Presse