MANILA: The Philippine government has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens in Lebanon to evacuate “immediately” amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Currently, around 11,000 Filipinos reside and work in Lebanon. The Philippine government has placed the alert level for Lebanon at “level 3,” signaling an urgent call for nationals to leave the country.
In a statement released late Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut emphasized the need for Filipino citizens to depart “while the airport remains operational” and to prioritize their safety by leaving as soon as possible.
Since late October, Manila has operated a voluntary repatriation program in response to the intensifying conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, where frequent rocket exchanges between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces have marked a deadly escalation.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega assured that the advisory aims to underscore the potential risks, stating, “We are highlighting the fact that safety for those who stay is not guaranteed.”
The US, UK, and France have similarly advised their citizens to leave Lebanon amid fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Raymond Balatbat reported that over 350 Filipinos have been repatriated to date, with another 40 workers pending clearance from Lebanese immigration authorities.
Balatbat noted the current atmosphere of uncertainty, saying, “The situation is tense, and both locals and foreigners are anxiously awaiting developments.”
