PH Embassy in Syria warns Filipinos of mortar attacks in Damascus

Filipinos residing in Syria have been cautioned as mortar attacks continue to pound Damascus, the country’s capital.

The Philippine Embassy in Syria issued a security advisory calling on Filipinos based in Damascus and nearby areas to take precautionary measures when strolling outside their homes or traveling to and from of their work place, Radyo INQUIRER reported on Saturday.

“In the spate of the recent mortar shelling in the areas of Bab Touma and Abbasseen, which have injured several individuals, all Filipinos residing in Damascus and nearby areas are reminded to take precautionary measures,” the advisory said.

Bab Touma and Abbasseen are both major boroughs in Damascus.

French news wires company Agence France-Presse reported last Tuesday that Syrian rebels bombarded two districts of the capital. Syrian state media said four people were killed, according to the report.

In its advisory, the embassy called on Filipinos to avoid crowded public places such as shopping malls, public markets, government buildings, police and military installations, and military checkpoints, if going outside their homes becomes necessary.

The embassy also cautioned Filipinos when riding public transport vehicles in the city.

In case of emergency, the embassy said Filipinos may get in touch with them through these contact numbers: 0960-006113, 0949-155557 and 613-2626. /jpv