The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Filipinos in Tripoli to get out of harm’s way by taking shelter in safe places amid the ongoing clashes among militias in the Libyan capital.
The DFA issued the advisory even as no Filipinos were reported hurt in the armed hostilities.
“As of this time, no report has been received on Filipinos hurt or injured in the clashes,” the DFA said in a statement.
Nonetheless, the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli has issued two advisories urging Filipinos in Libya’s capital and nearby districts to avoid the battle areas.
The embassy also urged Filipinos to get in touch with the embassy for assistance.
“The DFA strongly urges our kababayans to take shelter at home or in other safe places while the fighting is ongoing and to contact our Embassy through its hotline numbers for immediate assistance,” DFA statement said.
The DFA said that the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli “is monitoring the situation and has reported to DFA the ongoing clashes in Tripoli and surrounding areas.”
According to Libya’s health ministry, the ongoing clashes have left at least 32 people killed and 159 others wounded.
Records showed that there are about 2,164 Filipinos in Libya, mostly nurses and other hospital workers, as well as university instructors, and skilled workers in the oil and gas sector.