PHL Raises Alert Level 4 in Iraq; Calls for Mandatory Evacuation of Filipinos

Manila — Due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iraq, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday raised crisis alert level or mandatory repatriation of Filipinos for all areas in Iraq except for the northern region of Kurdistan.

Under this level, the Philippines undertakes mandatory evacuation procedures at government expense, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement.

“Filipinos in Iraq will be assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad and the Rapid Response Team, which are currently undertaking registration of Filipino workers for repatriation,” Jose said.

The DFA, he added, continues to closely monitor the political and security developments in Iraq, which has been wracked by weeks of armed conflict between Iraq’s military and Islamic militants.

There are 900 Filipinos in Iraq, Jose said. Of this figure, 154 are based in Baghdad and the rest are in Kurdistan. (PNA) FPV/MDC/UTB