Filipinos in Tripoli and around it can voluntarily come home so they can avoid getting caught in the middle of ongoing clashes between rival factions.
This, as the Department of Foreign Affairs raised the Alert Level in Libya from 2 to 3.
Alert 3 means Filipinos in Tripoli and other areas near fighting should move to safer areas or request the Philippine Embassy in Tripolo for assistance for repatriation.
Violence escalated in Libya’s capital as the parallel administration in the east of Libya led by its strongman Khalifa Haftar. Yesterday, the only civilian airport, the Mitiga airport, was attacked.
The United Nation-backed Government of National Accord controls Tripoli
Earlier, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. scoffed at a diplomatic reporter for suggesting to raise the alert level in Libya.
“In raising the Alert Level from II (Restriction Phase) to III (Voluntary Repatriation), the Department cited its obligation to ensure the safety and security of all Filipino nationals overseas,” the DFA said in a statement.
Fighting in Libya have escalated including shelling of residential areas in the outskirts of Tripoli, prompting the Philippine Embassy to recommend the raising of alert level.
Alert 3 will cover Tripoli and areas within 100-km radius of the capital:
To the East:
1. Tajoura
2. Ghot Romman
3. Qaraboli
4. Qasr Khiyar
To the South:
1. Esbea
2. Tarhuna
3. Bani Waled
4. Gharyan
To the West:
1. Aziziya
2. Warshifana
3. Zawia
4. Surman
5. Sabratha
Filipinos who work in these areas covered by Alert 2 are not to travel there until situation in the country stabilizes and the alert level is lowered back to 2, the Department added.
