Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Hamam on August 9, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / Agence France-Presse)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon urged Filipinos to leave the country while the airport is still operational amid ongoing tension in the Middle East.
“The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon strongly urges all Filipino citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport remains operational. We advise all Filipino nationals to prioritize their safety and depart the country as soon as possible,” it said in a Facebook post on Friday evening.
“If you are unable to leave Lebanon, we strongly recommend that you evacuate to safer areas outside of Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley,” it added.
READ: Canada’s Trudeau urges citizens to leave Lebanon over risk of conflict
Filipinos needing repatriation assistance were advised to fill out a form or contact the following numbers for further help:
- For all overseas Filipino workers (documented or undocumented): +961 79110729
- For overseas Filipinos (dependents with permanent resident status, i.e., wife iqama): +961 70858086
“The safety and security of every Filipino citizen is our top priority. We urge you to act swiftly and follow the above instructions to ensure your safety,” the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon said.
Last month, Palestinian armed group Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an attack blamed on Israel.
The incident occurred hours after an Israeli strike on Beirut killed the military chief of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, Fuad Shukr.
The governments of Canada and China have already advised their citizens to leave and take precautionary actions in the Middle Eastern country where Hezbollah is based.