DFA lowers alert level in Egypt

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lowered the crisis alert level in Egypt from 3 to 2 Friday, citing improved “political and security situation” in the country.

Egypt was rocked by civil unrest last August as the government declared a state of emergency following a violent dispersal of supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi who were conducting a sit-in protest.

Alert level 3 entails voluntary repatriation of Filipinos while level 2 “is issued when there are real threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos from internal disturbance or external threat,” the DFA said in a statement Friday.

Alert level 2, also called as the “Restriction Phase, allows only returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with existing employment contracts, or a group of OFWs under special circumstances, to go back to their host country.” it said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the DFA decided to lower the alert level in Egypt due to the “continued improvement in the political and security situation.”

At least 168 Filipinos from Egypt were repatriated as of November 17, the DFA said. There were more than 6,000 Filipino workers in Egypt.

Many nations condemned the violent crackdown on protesters and called for the restoration of peace and security in the Arab state.

Morsi was ousted in a military coup due to widespread demonstrations against his move to grant himself excessive powers as president. His supporters however protested against the military and wanted Morsi to be reinstated.