Roque: DFA to intensify repatriation efforts following deadly explosion in Beirut

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday the government will “intensify” its efforts to repatriate Filipinos in Lebanon after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday.

The powerful blast resulted in several fatalities, including two Filipinos, and injured thousands, as well as causing widespread fire and damage throughout the city.

“I think the government will continue with its repatriation of nationals who wish to be evacuated from the area. Lebanon, as we know, is war-torn,” Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“We’ve issued [a] series of advisories against working in Lebanon. I believe the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] will intensify our efforts to bring home our kababayans in that war-torn area.”

The DFA said the Philippine Embassy is in touch with the Filipino community in Lebanon to assess the situation and provide assistance to any affected Filipinos.

There are around 33,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, 75% of whom are in the greater Beirut area, according to DFA spokesperson Eduardo Meñez.

Lebanese authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but said it is likely that highly explosive ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at a port triggered it.—AOL, GMA News