Filipinos in Lebanon strongly urged to evacuate while airport is still open

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon on Friday night (PH time) issued an advisory to Filipino citizens for them to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport is still open amid tensions.

"The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon strongly urges all Filipino citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport remains operational," the embassy said in its evacuation notice.

"We advise all Filipino nationals to prioritize their safety and depart the country as soon as possible," it added.

Those who are unable to leave Lebanon were urged to move to safer areas.

"If you are unable to leave Lebanon, we strongly recommend that you evacuate to safer areas outside of Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley," the embassy said.

Filipinos who would like to avail of repatriation were asked to fill out a form.

The embassy said Filipinos may also contact the following numbers for further assistance:

• For all OFWs (documented or undocumented): +961 79110729
• For overseas Filipinos (Dependents with Permanent Resident Status, i.e., wife iqama): +961 70858086

"The safety and security of every Filipino citizen is our top priority. We urge you to act swiftly and follow the above instructions to ensure your safety," the embassy said.

Tensions between Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Israel rose in recent weeks.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah group launched drone attacks last month on Golan Heights which is occupied by Israel. A Hezbollah strike hit a football ground in Golan Heights, killing 12 people including children, Israel said.

EXPLAINER: Why the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is heating up again

Hezbollah senior military commander Fuad Shukr was then killed after an Israeli air strike hit a suburb of Beirut, according to Reuters.

An Israeli air strike in Tehran also resulted in the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Since then Hezbollah has launched attack drones in northern Israel while Israel warplanes were seen swooping low over Beirut earlier this month, setting off sonic booms. —KG, GMA Integrated News