Filipinos in New Caledonia told to avoid public places

This photograph taken on May 29, 2024 shows car wreckages at a makeshift roadblock that remains at the entrance of Ducos industrial zone, in Noumea, France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Riots sparked by a constitutional reform project broke out on May 13. France has lifted a state of emergency across the territory after two weeks of unrest in which seven people died and hundreds were injured (Photo by Theo Rouby / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday placed New Caledonia under Crisis Alert Level 2 following two weeks of unrest in the French Pacific territory.

“There are approximately 200 Filipinos and Filipinos by descent living in New Caledonia,” said DFA in a situation bulletin.

“Filipinos living in New Caledonia are advised to remain vigilant, avoid public places, and restrict non-essential movement. Filipinos are also advised to monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities,” said DFA.

READ: State of emergency lifted in New Caledonia

Crisis Alert Level 2 is also called the “restriction phase.” This alert level is raised if there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, or external threat.

A state of emergency in New Caledonia was imposed last May 16 to stop the “deadly rioting” in the territory.

READ: State of emergency lifted in New Caledonia

France has since lifted the said state of emergency. Still, it is maintaining the curfew and sending hundreds of paramilitary reinforcements after two weeks of unrest in which seven people died and hundreds were injured.