Filipinos in Libya told: Don’t talk about political situation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli has warned Filipinos in Libya from making social media comments about the political situation in that country.

Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato issued the warning on Thursday in the wake of the escalating violence near Libya’s capital.

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

“Our kababayan are also strongly advised against taking part or even going near any public demonstrations or armed formations,” Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato said in a statement.

“They should also refrain from making social media comments about the political situation in the country,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Alert Level III in Tripoli and its adjacent districts early this week.

READ: DFA raises alert level 3 in Tripoli, several districts in Libya

Under Alert Level III or the “voluntary repatriation” phase, Filipinos who work in Libya but are currently in the Philippines will not be allowed to travel back to the country “until the situation in the country stabilizes, and the alert level is lowered back to II.” /cbb