Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Image from OWWA / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday said no Filipino was hurt in two air raids conducted by the Israeli army in Beirut on Oct. 10.
The strike was described as the deadliest so far in the fight between Israel and Hezbollah, hitting densely populated areas that resulted in 22 fatalities and 117 injuries.
“Sa ngayon, wala tayong napapabalitaan na nasaktan o nasawing Pilipino sa mga attack sa Lebanon (At present, we haven’t heard any Filipino hurt in the attacks in Lebanon), whether in southern Lebanon or in Beirut,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in an interview on the sidelines of the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
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“Sa awa ito ng Diyos kaya’t we’re hoping it will stay that way (This is by God’s grace and we hope that it will stay that way),” he added.
In an advisory on Oct. 12, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut said the latest air strikes “heighten concerns” for civilian safety amid ongoing military operations.
It advised all Filipino nationals in Beirut to avoid affected areas, particularly Ras al-Nabaa and Noueiri.
Cacdac said majority of the 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon are residing and working in the capital city.
At present, about 570 have expressed their interest to voluntarily leave Lebanon, 221 of whom have already secured flights from Oct. 12 to 28.
The exit papers of the remaining 350 are being processed by the Philippine Embassy.
Cacdac said at least 178 Filipinos are being housed in shelters and hotels across Lebanon.