DFA tells Pinoys in Syria to remain vigilant

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday advised Filipinos in Syria to continue to exercise caution and vigilance despite the reported surrender by Islamic militants of their last remaining stronghold in the capital.

In a statement through the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, the DFA said members of the Filipino community were advised to remain cautious and vigilant as occasional explosions could still be heard even after militants reportedly agreed to surrender Yarmouk camp following an overnight bombardment by Syrian forces that began Thursday afternoon.

"Chargé d'Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid said the Embassy had instructed the estimated 500 Filipinos still in Damascus to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the security situation in the capital has normalized," the DFA said.

"Lamadrid said the Syrian Army bombardment and the retaliatory mortar fire from militants could be heard at the Embassy which was seven kilometers away from the nearest point of the fighting," it added.

The DFA said Filipinos in Syria who wanted to be repatriated must seek the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus. —Ted Cordero/ALG, GMA News