PH orders emergency evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq
The Philippine government today on
Wednesday (08/01/2020) announced that it is enforcing mandatory evacuation of
Filipino workers in Iraq amid heightened tensions in the area.
Alert Level 4 – the highest security
warning given by the Philippines on countries that pose security risks to
Filipino travelers and workers due to armed conflict or disaster – was
announced as Iran fired rockets at Iraq’s al Asad airbase, which hosts US
forces.
Alert: BRP Gabriela Silang coming to Dubai
Alert: BRP Gabriela Silang coming to Dubai
There are at least 16000 Filipinos in
Iraq. More than half are working in Kurdistan region and the rest are in the
Baghdad area. In Baghdad, many are employed by the US and other foreign
facilities, while some work for regular commercial establishments.
Hot Topic: 5 Years Tourist Visa
Hot Topic: 5 Years Tourist Visa
Affected Filipinos requesting
repatriation or any other form of assistance may contact the Philippine embassy
in Baghdad.
In view of the current security
situation, Filipinos there were advised “to remain vigilant, exercise caution
and maintain situational awareness at all times.”
What is Alert level 4?
Under alert level 4, all Filipinos
there are asked to leave and join the ongoing evacuation being offered by the
Philippine government.
Iran vowed to retaliate against the US
for killing its top commander, Qassem Suleimani, in an attack authorized by
President Donald Trump.
Suleimani, who led the Quds Force of
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps and accused by the Pentagon of “actively
developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and
throughout the region,” was killed by an American drone at Baghdad airport Jan.
3.
On Tuesday, the Department of Foreign
Affairs convened an Inter-Agency Command Conference on the Situation in the
Middle East to draw up emergency plans for Filipino workers who may be affected
by the brewing hostilities between the US and Iran.
Also Read: Amnesty UAE 2020
Also Read: Amnesty UAE 2020
Post a Comment