The Philippine Embassy in Libya (Photo its Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli has urged Filipinos living and working within a 100-kilometer radius of Tripoli to consider returning to the Philippines in the wake of the rising tension near the capital of Libya.
READ: World powers demand halt to Libya advance
In a statement issued on Monday, Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato said that the embassy “would like to urge our kababayan to strongly consider sending their dependents to the Philippines to ensure their safety.”
“The Philippine Embassy reiterates its call for Filipino nationals living and working within a 100-kilometer radius of Tripoli to consider having themselves repatriated in view of the escalation of fighting near the capital,” he said.
The embassy, Cato said, would assist in their repatriation.
However, he advised Filipinos who choose to stay to “remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.”
“They must steer clear of areas where fighting is taking place and to move to safer locations if possible,” he said. “Those who need emergency shelter are advised to call the Embassy for assistance.”
Cato further said that Filipinos in Tripoli “must restrict their movement” and “not venture out of their residences” until the situation in the capital normalizes.
Filipinos in the area were also advised to “stock up on food water and other provisions” and to “heed instructions of their employers.”
Meanwhile, the embassy said that Filipinos from Tripoli and nearby areas who were currently on vacation in the Philippines or were scheduled to return were “strongly advised to postpone their travel until the tensions subside.”
“Our kababayan are also strongly advised against taking part or even going near any public demonstrations or armed formations,” Cato said. “They should also refrain from making social media comments about the political situation in the country.”
Cato said Filipinos in need of urgent assistance may reach the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli through the number +218-91-824-4208 or through its official Facebook page.
Libyan authorities earlier declared a state of emergency following the announcement of the Libyan National Army that its forces have started advancing towards Tripoli. /atm
READ: US pulls forces from Libya as fighting approaches capital