DFA raises crisis alert level in Syria

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised to "2" the alert level in Syria, discouraging unnecessary travel in the conflict-torn Middle East country. With Alert Level 2, the DFA called for a restriction of movements around Syria, and avoiding large crowds and areas of protest. It also encouraged Filipinos to voluntarily relocate or leave the country at their own cost if they have no pressing need to remain. "Non-essential and non-urgent travel is discouraged, including travel for tourism purposes, and only returning workers will be allowed to go back," the DFA said. “We have asked our nationals in Syria to actively monitor developments, keep their communication lines open with the Embassy and their community coordinators and inform them of their whereabouts, as well as restrict their movements only to those which are necessary," Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan said in a news release posted on the DFA website. “We also asked them to also stock up on basic necessities such as food, water, and prescribed medicines, as well as have flashlights, mobile phones and radios available and in good condition. They should also have important documents such as passports and money handy," Cuyugan added. The DFA said it has also briefed the members of the 17,000-strong Filipino community on the Embassy’s contingency plans. Only last weekend, Cuyugan downplayed the situation in Syria, assuring in a television interview that Filipinos in Syria were safe amid the tension there. The Philippine Embassy said it has updated contingency plans for community members. These plans can be readily activated during times of crisis. On Monday, the United States and the United Kingdom issued advisories on travel to Syria in light of the escalating violence there. - VVP, GMA News