Pinoys advised to avoid areas near Beirut as Israel launches air strikes

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon on Saturday advised Filipinos to remain vigilant and avoid certain areas near Beirut after Israel launched air strikes.

"Multiple explosions were reported in the southern suburbs of Beirut due to a targeted Israeli military strike on Hezbollah's headquarters on the evening of 27 September 2024," the embassy said in an advisory.

"The Philippine Embassy urges all Filipino nationals in the area to remain vigilant. Please avoid the southern suburbs of Beirut and any other previously mentioned areas in prior advisories," it added.

Smoke billows following an Israeli strike over the southern suburbs of Beirut, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon on Saturday, September 28, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The embassy again stressed to Filipinos the importance of leaving Lebanon amid the hostilities between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

"The Embassy reiterates the importance of considering departure from the country, especially for undocumented Filipino nationals, as this involves coordinating with Lebanese authorities to secure an exit clearance," it said.

Filipinos who may have questions or need assistance may contact the embassy or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO-Lebanon) at the following numbers:

• Embassy ATN hotline (for permanent residents): 70 858 086
• Migrant Workers Office hotline (for ALL workers): 79 110 729

"The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed. Your safety is our priority," the advisory read.

In the early hours of Saturday, air raids were heard in Beirut's southern suburbs as Israel launched air strikes, Reuters reported.

Hezbollah's command center was hit as Israel apparently targeted the Iran-backed movement's leader Hassan Nasrallah. —KG, GMA Integrated News