DFA to OFWs in Libya: Stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movements

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday called on Filipinos in Tripoli, Libya to take all precautionary measures following the fighting among rival armed groups there that erupted last weekend.

The DFA, in an advisory, told the Filipinos to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movements in view of ongoing heavy fighting in the southern part of the capital.

The Philippine Embassy informed DFA that the fighting has resulted in flight interruptions at the Maetiga airport and some roadways in the south were closed.

Meawnhile, Chargè d’Affaires Mardomel Melicor said personnel of the Embassy and members of a DFA team that was earlier dispatched by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to Libya are safe.

There are an estimated 3,500 Filipinos in the whole of Libya based on the records of the Embassy. About 1,850 Filipinos are in the Tripoli capital city area.

According to media reports, the fighting between local militias and tribal fighters resulted in several people being killed or injured. The United Nations-backed Government of National Accord has been trying to restore order in Tripoli.   /kga