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There is no need for the Philippine government to raise the alert level status in Israel following Iran’s latest drone and missile attack on the Jewish state, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
DFA said that the current Alert Level 2 status that is imposed in Israel, which restricts the further deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), there “remains in place.”
But it said that the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to recommend that all non-essential travel from the Philippines to Israel be postponed indefinitely, or until such time that the situation has stabilized.
“If travel to Israel is absolutely necessary, Filipinos are advised to follow all precautions,” it said.
“Furthermore, all Filipinos in the region are advised to be alert and updated with the security pronouncements of their host governments,” it added.
It also advised Filipinos there to coordinate with their overseas community leaders and the Philippine embassyies and consulates.
On Monday, April 15, the Philippines expressed concern over developments in the Middle East as Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel amid the latter’s ongoing war with Hamas militants in Gaza.
DFA said it is urging all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also warned that the region is “on the brink” of confronting a full-scale conflict.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, meanwhile, assured that Filipinos are safe in Israel as he justified Tel Aviv’s rights to take defensive actions against attacks.
He said he is “happy to enter into a dialogue” with Filipino officials to explain Israel’s mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of the people there. — Joseph Pedrajas
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
