Alert level 3 raised for Filipinos in Libya

By: Matikas Santos - 10 years ago

OFWs from Libya INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised crisis alert level 3 in Libya and implementing voluntary repatriation due to the worsening security situation.

“In view of the worsening security situation in Libya where an estimated 13,122 Filipinos reside, Crisis Alert Level was raised from Level 2 (Restriction Phase) to Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation Phase) effective Thursday, May 29,” the DFA said in a statement.

“Under Crisis Alert Level 3, Filipinos in Libya are encouraged to leave the country voluntarily as soon as possible. The Philippine government will shoulder the repatriation cost,” it said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario was in Tripoli, Libya on May 28 to meet with Philippine Embassy officials and the Rapid Response Team there to implement the government’s contingency plan.

Filipinos in Libya were further advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli to coordinate their repatriation, DFA said.

The Embassy’s address is in KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, Tripoli. Its hotline number is (+218) 918244208, telephone number (+218-21) 483-3966, and official e-mail addresses: tripoli.pe@gmail.com; tripoli.pe@dfa.gov.ph.

Last May 27, the US State Department urged all US citizens in Libya to leave also because of the worsening security situation.

“US citizens currently in Libya should exercise extreme caution and depart immediately,” it said in a statement.

Libya has been in a state of civil war following the 2011 revolution against long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi who has been in power for 42 years. He was killed but the transition to democracy has not been peaceful.

Armed militias are fighting over oil depots, ports, and fields. Oil is the country’s primary source of revenue.