Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Photo from their Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday that Myanmar remains on Alert Level 4 “until further notice” despite calls for it to downgrade or lift the alarm.
The DFA said in a statement its decision to keep the ban and Alert Level 4 on Myanmar is for the “safety and security of every single Filipino overseas.”
A group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and expatriates earlier called on the DFA to deescalate the alert level and lift the travel ban to allow them to return to the Southeast Asian nation.
“The DFA acknowledges the concerns of OFWs wishing to return to Myanmar despite the uncertainty and danger posed by the ongoing crisis. However, the safety and security of every single Filipino overseas remain the top priority of the Philippine government,” the DFA said.
“To protect the lives of our fellow Filipinos abroad, Alert Level 4 will therefore remain in place in Myanmar until further notice. The DFA is continuously assessing the situation and the corresponding alert level, as well as responding to the particular needs of the remaining Filipino community,” it added.
Alert Level 4 has been raised over Myanmar since May 6, 2021, due to the persistent escalation of violence and worsening armed conflict in the Southeast Asian country since February last year.
Under Alert Level 4, the government conducts mandatory evacuation procedures.
Since February 2021, the government repatriated 701 Filipinos from Myanmar, accounting for around 60 percent of the total number of Filipinos there.
READ: PH ready to repatriate Filipinos in Myanmar following coup
The DFA advised Filipinos who are still in Myanmar to “restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation.”
READ: Filipinos in Myanmar urged to leave