MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly advised Filipino nationals currently residing in Lebanon to seriously consider leaving the country while commercial flights are still available.
The advisory from the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon was released after the country experienced “unprecedented explosions of beepers”, resulting in at least 11 confirmed fatalities and more than 2,800 injuries.
According to reports received by the Embassy, the explosions predominantly occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.
Last week, Lebanon was rocked with explosions as beepers or pagers used by members of the militant group Hezbollah simultaneously detonated, killing civilians as well.
According to reports, Hezbollah confirmed in a statement that the pagers belonged “to employees of various Hezbollah units and institutions” and blamed the Israeli government for the attacks.
Earlier, Hezbollah launched a rocket attack on Israel in support of Gaza, after Israel retaliated following a Hamas-led surprise attack on October 2023.
📣 ADVISORY 📣#PhinLebanon#PhinLebanonAdvisory pic.twitter.com/Z2wL8k840x
— Philippine Embassy in Lebanon (@PHLinLebanon) September 19, 2024
“The Philippine Embassy strongly urges all Filipino nationals to CONSIDER leaving the country while commercial flights are still available. Your safety and well-being are of utmost priority. Those who intend to remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the Embassy,” the advisory stated.
The Philippine Embassy also reminded Filipinos in Lebanon to take further actions in case repatriation is eminent.
According to the Embassy, Filipino nationals should ensure important documents, such as passports and iqamas are ready; always closely monitor local and international news; be aware of surroundings and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings; and to stay in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO-Lebanon) for voluntary repatriation and updating of status.
For voluntary repatriation, Filipino nationals may register to the link provided by the Embassy, which is https://tinyurl.com/2024Repatriation
For further inquiries or assistance, the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO-Lebanon) may be contacted through the following:
Embassy ATN hotline (for permanent residents): 70 858 086
Migrant Workers Office hotline (for ALL workers): 79 110 729
