Get repatriated amid rising tensions in Lebanon: DFA

MANILA: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is urging Filipinos to avail of the government's voluntary repatriation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 'Meron advisory ang (Philippine) embassy (in Lebanon) na pinapayuhan ang mga kababayan natin na lumikas na. Pero nais natin ipaliwanag na hindi ibig sabihin nito na may cause for alarm, na may giyera na umusbong sa Lebanon (The embassy has an advisory advising our fellowmen to evacuate. But this does not mean that there is cause for alarm, that there is a war that has erupted in Lebanon),' DFA spokesperson Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in an interview over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Monday. De Vega said the tension is limited only in the southern border between Israel and Lebanon where Hezbollah operates. 'Hindi ibig sabihin delikado ang buhay nila, pinapayuhan lang natin na habang pwede pa sana makauwi na iwasan muna 'yung Lebanon for the next few weeks hanggang matapos na itong girian nila with Israel kasi baka lumawak pa (It doesn't mean that their lives are in danger. We advise that while they still can, go home and avoid Lebanon for the next few weeks), it may spread to regional conflict,' de Vega said. There are about 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon with around 1,000 undocumented and 85 percent are in Beirut, he said. No Filipino has been reported yet to have been injured due to the conflict, he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has put up a help desk for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the escalating tensions in Lebanon. In a public advisory, the DMW said OFWs, documented or undocumented, who need immediate assistance and support may call the hotline number of its Migrant Workers Office in Lebanon at +961 79110729. Overseas Filipinos with permanent resident status, including their dependents, may contact the Philippine Embassy in Beirut at +961 70858086. Meanwhile, families and relatives of OFWs in Lebanon may contact the Philippine hotline numbers (02) 8522-3663; (02) 8293-9155 / (02) 8722-1144; (02) 8722-1155, Mobile Number: +63 919-067-3975, Whatsapp/Viber/Phone: +63 920-517-1059; +63 927-147-8186; +63 908-326-8344 or send an email to [email protected] for any information. Last Saturday, 15 OFWs and three children affected by the escalating tension in Lebanon arrived in the country. 'The 15 OFWs voluntarily requested for repatriation, and received immediate assistance and reintegration support upon their arrival,' the DMW said. A total of 356 OFWs have been repatriated so far while around 738 are awaiting their exit clearance. For repatriation assistance, Filipinos may fill out the repatriation form through the link https://tinyurl.com/2024Repatriation. Prelate: Heed authorities' call An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) advised Filipinos in Lebanon to heed Manila's call for repatriation. 'Stay strong and keep faith. Your resilience is an inspiration to us all, and soon, you will b e reunited with your families, where you can find peace and security once more,' CBCP-ECMI vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement on Monday. 'The entire nation stands with you, praying for your safety and swift return home,' he said. Santos said the Catholic church is one with the distressed OFWs in these trying times. 'As you await repatriation amidst the heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, know that you are not alone. Your perseverance and unshakable spirit are a testament to the steadfast Filipino heart. Each day you face with hope and determination brings you closer to the embrace of your loved ones and the comfort of home,' he said. Source: Philippines News Agency