Some Filipinos in Libya seek to leave amid tension – PH Embassy

A Libyan fighter loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) mans a turret mounted on the back of a pickup truck during clashes with forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar south of the capital Tripoli’s suburb of Ain Zara, on April 10, 2019. AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli said that 12 Filipinos have so far expressed interest to be repatriated while 18 have been evacuated by their respective employers to safer places outside Libya’s capital.

READ: PH Embassy in Libya receives 7 requests for repatriation

In a statement on Thursday, Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato reiterated the embassy’s call to Filipinos in and near Tripoli to “have themselves and their dependents repatriated as soon as possible” amid rising violence in Libya.

Cato issued the appeal while the embassy was “still in a position to assist.”

“Once the fighting reaches the capital, its (embassy) capacity to respond to requests for assistance from our kababayan (fellow Filipinos) would be severely affected,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cato advised Filipinos in Tripoli and in areas near armed clashes “to move to safer locations because the fighting that is now taking place in the outskirts of the capital is expected to intensify further and put them in serious risk.”

“For those who choose to remain in Tripoli, please continue to remain vigilant and to exercise extreme caution. Those working or living near areas where the fighting is taking place should remain indoors and restrict their movement,” he said.

“They are to make sure they have enough food, water and other provisions to last several days and heed the instructions of their employers,” he added.

Those affected by travel restrictions due to the declaration of Alert Level III in Tripoli and its surrounding areas “should reserve their queries until after the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issues the corresponding Governing Board Resolution and its implementing guidelines,” Cato added.

READ: DFA raises alert level 3 in Tripoli, several districts in Libya

He reminded Filipinos to contact the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli through the number +218-91-824-4208 or +218-94-454-1283 or through its official Facebook Page. /cbb