PHL govt airs 'grave concern' over Syria violence

UPDATED 5:00 p.m. - The Philippines on Monday expressed "grave concern" over the escalating violence in Syria, where about 17,000 Filipinos are living and working. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario said the Philippine government views “with deep concern the escalating violence in Syria." Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippine government placed three Syrian areas – Daraa, Latakia and Homs – under alert level "three." These areas are home to about 4,110 Filipinos and the Philippine government advises them to leave the country at their own expense. DFA figures showed there are 110 Filipinos in Daraa, 2,400 in Latakia, and 1,600 in Homs. For the rest of the country, Hernandez said the government security warning is on alert level 2, which means restriction of movements and avoidance of protest areas, including in capital Damascus. Non-essential and non-urgent travel is also discouraged, including travel for tourism purposes. Most of the Filipinos in Syria are domestic helpers and some skilled workers and professionals. Del Rosario urged the Syrian government to do its utmost to end the hostilities and ensure the safety of the Syrian people and all foreign nationals. “We therefore urge the Syrian government to address the Syrian people’s concerns and to immediately implement the reforms promised to them," Del Rosario said. Despite Philippine government appeals to the Filipinos to leave Syria, many Filipinos remain in that country for fear of losing their jobs. Syrian forces continued its violent crackdown on anti-government protesters who are demanding Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to step down. - VVP, GMA News