Philippines govt to evacuate Filipinos despite ceasefire

DUBAI -Despite Monday's declaration of a ceasefire between Lebanese and Israeli forces, the Philippine government has decided to intensify the evacuation of Filipinos still stranded in war-torn Lebanon, according to the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Dubai.

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By Criselda E. Diala

Published: Wed 16 Aug 2006, 9:57 AM

Last updated: Tue 14 Nov 2023, 12:26 PM

"We are continuing the evacuation of Filipino nationals in Lebanon because in our experience, ceasefires are often breached and the outcome can be more terrible than the original battle," Philippine Consul-General Antonio S. Curameng told Khaleej Times.

He added that the Philippine government has banned the deployment of Filipino workers in Lebanon till further notice. "Deployment will resume depending upon the recommendation of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, which is more aware of the situation in the area," the consul-general mentioned.

A total of 4,600 Filipinos have already been repatriated since the month-long conflict broke out. The PCG in Dubai, which coordinates the evacuation operation with other Philippine diplomatic missions in the region, said that around 400 Filipinos are still being sheltered in the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.

Earlier reports noted that some 30,000 Filipinos are working in various parts of Lebanon. "We were advised that there are still relatively safe areas in Lebanon, even in Beirut, and some Filipinos have sought refuge there.

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They have opted to stay behind because they won't have any jobs to go back to in the Philippines," Consul-General Curameng said.

Criselda E. Diala

Published: Wed 16 Aug 2006, 9:57 AM

Last updated: Tue 14 Nov 2023, 12:26 PM

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