DFA advises Pinoys to postpone Libya trips until tension subsides

A local militiaman, belonging to a group opposed to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, stands on a vehicle the group said they seized from Haftar’s forces at one of their bases in the coastal town of Zawiya, west of Tripoli on April 5, 2019, hours after Haftar’s froces were pushed back from a key checkpoint less than 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Tripoli, according to security source said. – The militiamen retook the base after a “short exchange of fire”, the source said April 5 on condition of anonymity. The Zawiya militia is one of dozens that have proliferated since the overthrow of veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 and are variously aligned with the UN-backed unity government in the capital and a rival administration in the east backed by Haftar’s forces. (Photo by Mahmud TURKIA / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos bound to Libya are “strongly advised” by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to postpone their trips amid the ongoing tension in that country.

The DFA also echoed on Saturday the advice of the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli for Filipinos in Libya to remain vigilant and alert at all times.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is asking Filipinos in Tripoli to exercise extreme caution in view of the continuing tensions near the capital and specifically called on Filipinos living within a 100 kilometer radius of the Libyan capital to remain vigilant,” the department said in a statement.

“The Department, at the same time, called on Filipino workers from Tripoli and the surrounding areas who are currently on vacation in the Philippines and are scheduled to return to Libya in the coming days are strongly advised to postpone their travel until the tensions subside,” it added.

Libyan authorities earlier declared a state of emergency following the announcement of the Libyan National Army that its forces have started advancing towards Tripoli.

The Embassy in Tripoli has monitored isolated clashes outside of Tripoli and troop movements in areas outside of the capital.

READ: Embassy in Tripoli advises Filipinos in Libya to be vigilant, stay indoors

The DFA added that at least 1,000 Filipinos in the affected areas have been advised to ensure that they have enough food, water and other essential provisions.

“Filipinos who wish to be repatriated are advised to immediately contact the Embassy so arrangements could be made for their travel home,” it said.

Filipinos who may need assistance can contact the Embassy at +218.91.824.4208 or through the “Philippine Embassy in Libya” Facebook Page. /muf