Philippines urges citizens to leave Lebanon ‘immediately’

MANILA: The Philippines has urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country “immediately” amid growing fears of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Around 11,000 Filipinos live and work in Lebanon, according to the latest official data. Manila has placed the Middle Eastern country under their “alert level 3,” meaning that Philippine nationals are urged to leave.

In an advisory issued late on Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut “urges all Filipino citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport remains operational,” adding that Philippine nationals should prioritize their safety and depart the country “as soon as possible.”

Manila has had a voluntary repatriation program since late October, following the escalation of fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces have been engaged in frequent exchanges of rocket fire since the beginning of Israel’s deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said the latest advisory was “not intended to alarm anyone.”

He said: “We are highlighting the fact that safety of those who stay is not guaranteed.”

Several countries, including the US, UK and France have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon since earlier this month, as heightened tensions in the region spark fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East.

Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Raymond Balatbat said more than 350 Philippine nationals have so far been repatriated, with another 40 overseas Filipino workers waiting for Lebanese immigration authorities to clear their request for repatriation.

“Situation is tense,” he said. “There is uncertainty as locals and foreigners alike await the unfolding of future events.”

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