PHL Embassy: No Pinoy hurt in Syria protests

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday denied reports that two Filipinos were killed during the recent protest actions in Damascus, Syria. Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, the DFA belied reports that two Filipino household service workers (HSW) were caught in a crossfire on April 29. "The Embassy contacted its area coordinators, its volunteers from the Filipino community and other sources in Syria to verify the report. These sources all informed the Embassy that no such incident happened," Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wifredo Cuyugan said in an article posted on the DFA website. Cuyugan was referring to reports that the two Filipinos were caught in a crossfire and hit by stray bullets after being asked by their employers to buy something from a store. Cuyugan also noted "inconsistencies" in the alleged report, noting there were no demonstrations in Damascus on April 29. "Damascus and its neighboring governorates suffered its worst hailstorms that day-therefore, no significant protests took place in the capital or anywhere near it," he said. He also noted that the alleged incident happened on a Friday, when most, if not all stores are closed. Cuyugan added it is also highly improbable for Syrian employers to ask their HSWs to buy something from the store amid heavy gunfire and protests. He added employers and recruitment agencies likewise inform the Embassy of such incidents. There is an existing protocol of hospitals and local police departments, not only in Damascus but the whole of Syria, to inform the Embassy of such incidents, he said. The DFA cautioned concerned parties in releasing alleged stories which are unverified, to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety among people. On April 26, the DFA declared crisis alert level 2 in Syria in light of the continuing political tension in said country and as a precautionary measure for the Filipino community there. It also urged and offered repatration facilities for Filipinos in Daraa, Latakia and Homs if they wish to be repatriated. Alert level 2 entails restriction of movements around said country, avoiding large crowds and areas of protest, and encouraging 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. There are around 17,000 Filipinos in Syria. - VVP, GMA News