DFA raises Alert Level 2 in New Caledonia amid unrest

The Philippines has placed New Caledonia under Crisis Alert Level 2 or Restriction Phase amid the declaration of state of emergency in the territory. 

In an advisory, the Department of Foreign (DFA) urged the approximately 200 Filipinos and Filipinos by descent in New Caledonia to remain vigilant, avoid public places, and restrict non-essential movement. 

"Filipinos are also advised to monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities," the DFA said.

Filipinos can contact the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney for concerns through sydney.pcg@dfa.gov.ph and +61 481 728 027.

Seven people have been killed, hundreds arrested and large numbers of buildings and cars destroyed in a fortnight of upheaval in New Caledonia triggered by a contested electoral reform and fueled by sharp economic disparities between the indigenous Kanak population and people of European background.

Police shot dead a man on Friday evening, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron visited to try to calm tensions.

The arrival of an additional 480 gendarmes will bring the number of French security forces in the Pacific territory to some 3,500. 

The state of emergency would end on Monday evening at 8 p.m. in Paris. —with Reuters/KBK, GMA Integrated News