PHL Embassy reiterates call for Pinoys to leave Sana'a in Yemen

Amid the escalation of armed clashes there in past days, the Philippine government reiterated over the weekend its call to Filipinos in Sanaa in Yemen to leave the area. The Philippine Embassy in Yemen said violent clashes still occur in the streets amid pronouncements from rival military commanders threatening armed response against each other. “In light of the above and of the standing Alert Level Four in place since June 2011 for the country, the Embassy strongly reiterates its earlier advisories urging all Filipinos to leave Yemen immediately. Filipinos who are under the employ of companies are strongly urged to request their respective employers to implement its evacuation plan and ensure their safe return to the Philippines while those who are in a different situation are strongly urged to avail themselves immediately of the mandatory repatriation facility through the Embassy’s Team stationed at Sheraton Hotel in Sana’a while commercial flights are still available," it said in an advisory. The advisory was posted on the website of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), which has jurisdiction over Yemen. In its advisory, the embassy noted Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Sana’a Friday amid escalation of armed clashes in the last six days between government security forces and rival military units supporting the opposition. Also, it said protests by the opposition have become increasingly large and have been met with sniper fire and mortar shelling resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, the embassy said those who wish to avail of repatriation should ensure the validity of their passports, and secure from their respective sponsors a No Objection Letter required in securing an exit visa. An embassy team in Sana’a shall facilitate the extension of validity of those whose passports have expired, will coordinate with local immigration authorities for the issuance of said exit visa, and facilitate the booking of the earliest available commercial flight. The Philippine government shall shoulder the one way return airfare to the Philippines. Those seeking the Embassy’s assistance should contact the Philippine Embassy Team in Sana’a at Room 142 at Sheraton Hotel or by cellphone at (+967) 733-293-525 and (+967) 736-645-017 or email at cmt.sanaa@gmail.com. — LBG, GMA News