Iraq, Libya travel warnings issued for Filipinos

Dubai - The DFA issued two advisories in two days.

Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory for Filipinos on Sunday.
In light of the hostile situation in Iraq and Libya, Filipinos have been advised to avoid travelling to the two countries, and those present there are urged to coordinate closely with the embassies there in the event of an emergency evacuation.
The statements said:

'The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) calls on all Filipinos to cancel, until further notice, any travel to Iraq in view of the current situation in the country.
Filipinos in Iraq are strongly advised to coordinate closely with the Philippine Embassy and their employers in the event mandatory evacuation will be necessary.
The Embassy may be contacted at (+964) 781-606-6822; (+964) 751-616-7838; and (+964) 751-876-4665 or via email: baghdad.pe@dfa.gov.ph; and/or via facebook page: Philippine Embassy in Iraq.'
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, reiterates its appeal to Filipinos in Tripoli to avoid and, if necessary, immediately evacuate areas close to where fighting is taking place. The Embassy issued the appeal after eight Filipino nurses were evacuated Thursday afternoon from a clinic near where intense clashes have taken place.
Chargé d'Affaires Elmer G. Cato said the Embassy is ready to assist other Filipinos in relocating to safer areas so long as the situation on the ground would allow its rescue teams to reach them. More than 20 Filipinos have already evacuated their residences in Salahuddin District and are now staying with relatives and friends. Chargé d'Affaires Cato said the Embassy will provide temporary shelter to Filipinos who will be displaced due to the ongoing clashes.
The Embassy will also continue to assist Filipinos who may want to avail repatriation. Three Filipinos have so far requested assistance in returning to the Philippines since the start of the year. A total of 149 were repatriated last year.