MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirms that there are no Filipinos hurt or affected by airstrikes in Bekaa Valley and Baalbek, Lebanon.
This is after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed atleast two people and wounded 20 in northeastern Lebanon on Tuesday, as fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah over the war Israel is waging against Hamas militants in Gaza, according to media reports.
According to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Ed De Vega, despite the offer of free airfare under the voluntary repatriation, there have been “few takers”.
In a text message to media, De Vega explained that some Filipinos in the area are hoping that the war does not happen in Lebanon, hence their decision to stay.
“Despite the offer of free airfare under the voluntary repatriation, there have been few takers. Some are holding off leaving, hoping that war does not happen here in Lebanon,” De Vega said.
Others decided to stay due to personal reasons (they do not want to leave their husbands behind, lack of employment opportunities in PH), he added.
Data from the DFA reveals that there are 17,500 Filipino nationals in Lebanon but De Vega said the number could be lower “as some have been leaving through the years”.
Lebanon is currently placed under Alert Level 3 meaning Filipinos are advised to voluntarily evacuate the country.
To date, the Philippine government has repatriated 197 Filipinos from Lebanon while nine are on standby ready to leave.
Philippine Embassy in Lebanon Security Updates
In an advisory released by the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, it reminded Filipinos in the country to avoid areas where there is ongoing violence or military activity, and to take necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
On February 27, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted Baalbeck, marking the first such incident since 2006. This attack resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals identified as Hezbollah members. The airstrike primarily targeted Hezbollah-affiliated sites, including supermarket food storage sheds and a residential house in the Addous area.
On March 11, 2024, additional airstrikes occurred in the Baalbeck district, with four missiles deployed, resulting in two separate strikes at different locations. The precise targets of these attacks remain unclear. This marks the second instance of Baalbeck being struck since the onset of cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.
(Courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Lebanon Facebook Page)
Reports indicate that at least one civilian has been killed in the Israeli airstrikes, and several others have been injured. The targeted areas include the southern entrance to the city of Baalbeck, a residential house in al-Ansar, and a wood storage warehouse between the villages of Shmustar and Taraya.
In a separate incident, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley on 12 March 2024. The Israeli aircraft specifically targeted the Sfari road, which connects to the town of Baalbeck.
In light of these events, the Embassy strongly advises all Filipino nationals in Lebanon to exercise caution and remain vigilant at all times. Also, the Embassy reminds all Filipino nationals to adhere to any advisories or instructions issued by local authorities and stay informed about the situation through credible news sources.
The Philippine Embassy in Beirut may be reached through these numbers:
Embassy ATN hotline: 70 858 086
Migrant Workers Office hotline: 79 110 729
