Filipinos in Israel, Iraq urged to stay indoors amid rising tension
The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued advisories for Filipinos in Israel and Iraq to remain indoors amid the heightened conflict between the two countries.(Photo by SEPAH NEWS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / SEPAH NEWS
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos in Israel and Iraq to remain indoors amid heightened tension in the region.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel advised Filipinos to stay safe in their homes and prepare for evacuation into shelters or safe rooms should there be alerts for missiles. This was after Israel was placed under essential activity status from Friday morning to Saturday evening, based on reports from the Israel Defense Forces.
“Mariing ipinapayo ng Embahada sa lahat ng Pilipino sa Israel na manatili sa loob ng kanilang mga tahanan at dapat maging handang pumasok sa shelter, safe room, o mamad sakaling magkaroon ng missile alert,” the Philippine Embassy in Israel said.
(The Embassy strongly advises all Filipinos in Israel to remain inside their homes and be prepared to enter a shelter, safe room, or mamad in the event of a missile alert.)
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Mass gatherings are prohibited, and classes in educational institutions and work, except for those providing essential services in Israel, are cancelled under the essential activity status.
Filipinos in Israel are asked to contact the Embassy Emergency Hotline, +972 54-4661188, for urgent concerns.
Likewise, the Philippine Embassy in Iraq directs Filipinos to avoid “unnecessary travel” and monitor news developments as the country remains on Alert Level 3, entailing the presence of “violent disturbances or external aggression” in the area.
“Due to recent developments in the region, Filipino Nationals are advised to shelter in place, monitor ongoing news, and contact the Embassy Hotline (+964 740 810 5240) for emergencies,” the embassy reports.
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Filipinos in Iraq are also advised to stay alert for their security as the prevailing situation ensues in the region. (Nelson Jr. Caparas, INQUIRER.net trainee)./coa
