RISING TENSION. Strikes in Hebbariyeh village in southern Lebanon come amid intensifying exchanges of fire on either side of the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon in this undated photo. Filipinos in Lebanon are warned to take precautions as Israel intensifies its campaign against the Hezbollah. (Photo courtesy of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs/Lebanon)
MANILA – Filipinos in Lebanon are advised to take necessary precautions amid Israel’s intensified campaign against the Hezbollah in Lebanon which has wounded scores and killed over 400.
“Filipino nationals residing in Lebanon are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed, following recent hostilities in South Lebanon. Your safety is our primary concern,” the Philippine Embassy in Beirut said in a statement dated Sept. 23.
“It is essential to take these communications seriously while exercising caution and judgment,” it added.
Local reports citing the Lebanese Ministry of Health said the casualties rose to 492, with at least 1,645 others injured as Israel launched retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon.
On Monday, the United Nations said residents in the south have received “phone and social media messages” from the Israeli military telling them to keep away from any building or village linked to the militant group.
The development comes as Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with over a hundred projectiles last week, the latest in the two parties' exchange of fire since the war in Gaza erupted and the "most intense” so far, sparking fears over a full-scale war.
The embassy said Filipinos in south Lebanon should stay put and remain indoors until the bombing subsides and wait for the situation to stabilize.
The advisory came days after the embassy made an urgent call to Filipinos to evacuate the country while commercial flights were still available.
In case of an emergency, Filipinos are urged to contact the embassy immediately via the Migrant Workers Office hotline 79 110 729 or the Embassy Assistance-to-Nationals hotline 70 858 086. (PNA)
