PH Embassy to Pinoys in Israel: Stay at home, follow security advisories

The Philippine Embassy in Israel on Sunday urged Filipinos to remain in their homes and follow security regulations as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command placed the country under essential activity status.

Under essential activity status, the following are implemented:

• No classes in all educational institutions
• Social gatherings are prohibited
• Work is canceled except for those in essential services

“Mariing ipinapayo ng Embahada sa lahat ng Pilipinos sa Israel na manatili sa loob ng kanilang mga tahanan at dapat maging handang pumasok sa shelter, safe room, o mamad sakaling magkaroon ng missile alert,” the embassy said in an advisory.

(The Embassy strongly advises all Filipinos in Israel to remain inside their homes and be prepared to seek a shelter, safe room, or evacuation center should there be a missile alert.)

“Sundan ang mga IDF security guidelines, safety advisories ng Embahada, at balita sa mga mapagkakatiwalaang news outlets,” it added.

(Follow IDF security guidelines, Embassy safety advisories, and news from trusted news outlets.)

The IDF implemented the essential activity status as armed hostilities between Israel and Iran continue.

The status will take effect from June 22 (Sunday) at 3 a.m. until June 23 (Monday) at 8 a.m. 

Filipinos may also contact the embassy through its hotline at +972 54-4666118.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer earlier said 223 Filipinos in Israel have requested repatriation, of which 26 are leaving soon.  

One Filipino remains in critical condition, while seven have been discharged from the hospital.

The houses of 88 Filipinos have been damaged due to Iranian airstrikes, and 80 have been resettled to safer areas.

On Friday, Crisis Alert Level 3 in Israel and Iran was raised by the Philippine government, urging Filipinos in the area to avail of voluntary repatriation as tensions continue between the two countries. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News