Stay indoors, Filipinos in Egypt told

Opponents of Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi burn pictures showing the United States President Barack Obama during a rally outside the Presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, July 7, 2013. As clashes between protesters raged over the ouster of Morsi, Malacañang on Sunday cautioned Filipinos in Egypt not to venture out on “unnecessary errands.” AP PHOTO/Hassan Ammar

MANILA, Philippines—As clashes between protesters raged over the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, Malacañang on Sunday cautioned Filipinos in Egypt not to venture out on “unnecessary errands.”

Undersecretary Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, reminded the 6,000 Filipinos there that alert level 1 raised by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remained in effect.

Under this alert, Filipinos are advised to stay indoors, avoid areas of protest and take all necessary precautions.

“The alert level stays, which is why this has not been lifted by the DFA to warn our citizens that they shouldn’t venture out on any unnecessary errands while there are still incidents (skirmishes) like this,” said Valte over government-run dzRB radio.

Morsi’s ouster by the military following days of demonstrations has triggered violent clashes between his supporters and the opposition that has led to deaths and injuries.

The Philippine government is monitoring the unrest 24/7 through duty officers manning the embassy and its communication lines, foreign affairs officials have said.

“We continue to monitor the temperature, so to speak, and we are ready to extend any assistance that may be required by our nationals there,” Valte said.—TJ Burgonio