DFA raises crisis alert level 3 in Yemen

A police trooper mans a weapon mounted on a police vehicle at a checkpoint near the Defense Ministry compound in Sanaa, Yemen, Dec. 7, 2013. AP file photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised crisis alert level 3 in Yemen due to the continuing violence in its capital of Sana’a.

“Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has raised crisis alert level 3 in Yemen. Alert level 3 is raised when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a press conference Monday.

“Filipinos who wish to come home will be repatriated at government expense,” he said.

There will also be a total deployment ban for Yemen that will be imposed by the Department of Labor and Employment.

“Our citizens are likewise advised to defer travel to Yemen regardless of purpose,” Hernandez said.

A recent suicide bombing and shooting attack on the ministry of defense complex in Sana’a claimed the lives of seven Filipino medical workers in the hospital, one of whom was a doctor.

Some 40 Filipinos were working in the hospital within the complex, which was severely damaged from the attack. Two who sustained injuries are recovering in a hospital.

“The male patient sustained injuries caused by shrapnel and other flying debris on the face, arms and the upper part of his head,” Hernandez said.

“The female patient has a gunshot wound in the leg and her shoulder was also crushed,” he said.

Relatives of those killed have been notified and they were advised to proceed to the DFA so that they can coordinate on the repatriation procedures.

Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Yemen Ezzedin Tago has been assured by the general director of the hospital that the Filipino workers will be given two months worth of extra benefits.

There are about 1,500 overseas Filipino workers in Yemen.

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