PHL raises alert level 3 in Libya, to enforce voluntary repatriation

The Philippine government on Monday raised crisis alert level 3 in Libya, urging Filipino workers there to avail of voluntary repatriation amid security concerns.

Filipinos in the capital Tripoli and nearby areas should consider getting themselves and their dependents repatriated to avoid getting caught in the middle of ongoing clashes between rival factions, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Crisis level 3 or voluntary repatriation phase is imposed by the Philippine government on countries with deteriorating security condition.

At least 4,000 workers have remained in Libya, which is in a state of civil war.

"The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli gave the recommendation to raise the Alert Level following the escalation of the fighting that included the shelling of residential areas in the outskirts of the capital," it said.

Alert Level 3 covers Tripoli and areas within a 100-kilometer radius of the capital as follows:

To the East

• Tajoura
• Ghot Romman
• Qaraboli
• Qasr Khiyar

To the South

• Esbea
• Tarhuna
• Bani Waled
• Gharyan

To the West

• Aziziya
• Warshifana
• Zawia
• Surman
• Sabratha

"With the declaration, travel to Libya by Filipinos working in the said areas will not be allowed until the situation in the country stabilizes and the alert level is lowered back to 2," the DFA said.

Filipinos in conflict areas were told to move to safer areas or request the embassy for assistance in their repatriation before the fighting intensifies.

Those who wish to leave Libya are advised by the DFA to contact the embassy to coordinate their repatriation. — RSJ, GMA News