DMW ready to assist in Pinoys' evacuation amid tensions in Lebanon

The Department of Migrant Workers said it is ready to assist Filipinos in leaving Lebanon amid the tensions in the area.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Saturday the department is also looking for possible shelters in Lebanon, according to a GMA Integrated News Bulletin.

On Saturday morning, the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration met more than a dozen overseas Filipino workers including children who were safely repatriated from Lebanon, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The OFWs "voluntarily requested for repatriation, and received immediate assistance and reintegration support upon their arrival," the DMW said in a Facebook post.

It added that the repatriation was done in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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.

The DMW said those who would like to avail of repatriation should fill out the form in this link.

OFWs needing assistance may contact +961 79110729, the DMW added.

Overseas Filipinos meanwhile, including dependents with permanent resident status such as wife iqama, may contact +961 70858086.

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.

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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