Filipinos in Iran advised to minimize movements amid protests

Filipinos in Iran were advised to minimize their movements and to stay vigilant amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations and a violent crackdown on protesters, which has killed more than 500 people.

There have been no reports of any Filipinos who have been affected in the protests in Iran, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a statement.

However, she said the Philippine Embassy in Tehran has reminded Filipinos in Iran "to stay alert and minimize their movements."

There are 823 Filipinos in Iran, mostly permanent residents, such as spouses and children of Iranian citizens.

Reports said more than 500 protesters have been killed, but human rights groups said the death toll could be higher.

On the other hand, more than 10,000 were arrested as anti-government protests entered its third week.

The government has shut down access to phone communications and internet for days and foreign news agencies are having difficulty reporting the situation from Tehran.—AOL, GMA Integrated News