BEIRUT—As Israel intensifies its attacks on Hezbollah targets within Lebanon, the Philippine government is contemplating elevating the situation to alert level 4, which would trigger a mandatory evacuation of Filipino nationals, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega clarified that while there has not yet been a mass repatriation, the government is prepared to initiate such measures if necessary. He emphasized that alert level 4 is typically reserved for scenarios of large-scale internal conflict or extensive external attacks, conditions not currently met in Lebanon. “The conflict is primarily between Israel and Hezbollah, not involving the Lebanese government directly,” de Vega explained during a press briefing.
Despite the absence of plans for a ground invasion by Israel, as confirmed by Israeli authorities, the Philippine government continues to encourage voluntary repatriation among its citizens. Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, Raymond Balatbat, noted the reluctance among the Filipino community leaders in Lebanon to leave, indicating a relative sense of safety among them. Balatbat, participating virtually in the briefing, pointed out the community’s resilience, stating, “Majority of them, especially the long-time residents, are determined to stay regardless of the circumstances.”
Currently, the official Filipino population in Lebanon stands at approximately 11,000, though the actual number might be higher due to undocumented nationals. The embassy is actively facilitating the repatriation of around 1,300 Filipinos, with plans underway for the next batch in early October, contingent on the availability of commercial flights from Beirut’s international airport.
Balatbat also highlighted that all 196 Filipinos in southern Lebanon, the region hardest hit by the conflict, have relocated to safer areas within the country. “To date, there have been no injuries reported among Filipinos due to the recent spike in hostilities,” de Vega added.
The ongoing conflict has escalated dramatically, with over 600 fatalities reported since the latest series of Israeli strikes began on Monday. The situation has drawn international concern, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informing the Security Council of the severe escalation along the UN-monitored boundary, describing it as ‘hell breaking loose.’
In response to the escalating violence, Israel has declined a US-endorsed ceasefire proposal and has vowed to continue its robust military actions against Hezbollah. This stance has raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured continued support for Filipinos in Lebanon. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated, “We are in close coordination with the DFA to manage the evacuation of Filipinos from high-risk areas to Beirut.” The DMW has prepared shelters in Beirut and is facilitating the repatriation of those willing to return. To date, 430 Filipinos have been repatriated with coordinated efforts from the DMW, DFA, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and more are expected soon.
While Lebanon is currently under Alert Level 3, which allows for voluntary repatriation, the situation remains fluid and could deteriorate further, prompting higher alert levels and more definitive actions from the Philippine government.