DFA raises Alert Level 4 for Filipinos in Ethiopia

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday raised Alert Level 4 in Ethiopia due to the ongoing conflict in Tigray and other neighboring regions.

In a statement, the DFA advised all Filipinos not to travel to Ethiopia at this time due to the continued and intensifying conflict.

"Filipinos who are in the country where Alert Level 4 is in effect are advised to restrict non- essential movements, avoid public places, and immediately prepare for evacuation," the DFA said.

Alert Level 4 is raised when there is a large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack. Under this alert level, the national government undertakes mandatory evacuation procedures.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's November 2020 offensive in Tigray now threatens to unleash instability across the country, as fears grow of a rebel advance on the capital Addis Ababa.

Filipinos in Ethiopia in need of assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, through (+202) 252-13062 or through its Facebook page.

They may also contact the Philippine Honorary Consul in Addis Ababa through hc.philippines.aa@gmail.com or by telephone: (+251) 118 648 752. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News