DFA urges Filipinos in Libya to take precautions as rival militias clash

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday alerted hundreds of Filipino workers in Libya after a state of emergency was declared in its capital Tripoli amid clashes between rival militias that have already claimed several lives in recent days.

In a statement, the DFA urged Filipinos, particularly those in Tripoli, to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement as the situation in the Libyan capital remained intense.

Aside from the fighting, the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli also reported instances of looting, robbery, car theft and other crimes.

Chargé d’Affaires Mardomel Melicor said the estimated 1,800 Filipinos in Tripoli should also make sure they have enough food and water to last a few days.

“They should also prepare for disruptions in power supply and internet connectivity,” he added.

Melicor stressed that the Philippine Embassy remains ready to respond to any request for assistance from the Filipino community in Libya.

In the event of emergencies, the Philippine Embassy could be contacted at: +218 91 824 4208 and +218 94 454 1283, the DFA said.  /muf