DFA: Deployment, travel ban to Myanmar to remain in effect

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday has declined to lift its deployment and travel ban to Myanmar, saying Alert Level 4 or mandatory evacuation will be enforced indefinitely by the Philippine government.

"The DFA acknowledges the concerns of OFWs wishing to return to Myanmar despite the uncertainty and danger posed by the ongoing crisis. However, the safety and security of every single Filipino overseas remains the top priority of the Philippine government," a DFA statement said.

"To protect the lives of our fellow Filipinos abroad, Alert Level 4 will therefore remain in place in Myanmar until further notice," the DFA said, adding it will continue to assess the situation and alert level based on the particular needs of the remaining Filipino community.

Alert Level 4 - the highest crisis alert imposed by the Philippines on countries posing security risks for Filipinos - was raised in Myanmar on May 6, 2021 due to the escalation of violence and worsening armed conflict.

Its military seized power in Feb.21, 2021 through a coup from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and jailed senior government officials, including Suu Kyi, and pro-democracy activists.

On July 25, Myanmar's junta announced that it had executed four democracy activists, claiming they "aided terror acts."

Their execution - the first in Myanmar in decades - drew global condemnation, calling it "cruel" and a "reprehensible act of violence."

Since February 2021, the Philippine government has repatriated a total of 701 Filipinos from Myanmar, which constitutes about 60% of the total number of overseas Filipinos in the country.

Filipinos who are still in Myanmar are advised to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation, the DFA said.

Filipinos in Myanmar in need of assistance were advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Yangon via email yangon.pe@dfa.gov.ph and phone numbers +959985210991 and +959250765938 or thru its Facebook page @PHinMyanmar. — RSJ, GMA News