DFA warns Filipinos in Tripoli to find safe shelter

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Photo from their Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned Filipinos in Tripoli on Sunday to find shelter in safe places amid the ongoing strife in Libya.

“As of this time, no report has been received on Filipinos hurt nor injured in the clashes,” the DFA said in a statement.

According to the DFA, there are currently 2,164 Filipinos in Libya, most of whom are professionals, nurses, hospital workers, university instructors, and skilled workers in the oil and gas sector.

“The DFA strongly urges our kababayans to take shelter at home or in other safe places while the fighting is ongoing and to contact our Embassy through its hotline numbers for immediate assistance,” DFA said.

The DFA assured Filipinos that the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli “is monitoring the situation and has reported to DFA the ongoing clashes in Tripoli and surrounding areas.”

This came after clashes between backers of Libya’s rival governments — one headed by Abdulhamid Dbeibah and the other by Fathi Bashagha — erupted in its capital city, damaging several hospitals and setting several buildings ablaze.

According to the Tripoli government’s health ministry, the death toll due to the clashes is currently at 32 people with 159 others wounded.

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