10 December 2013 – To ensure the safety of Filipinos given the current security situation in Yemen, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on December 09 raised Crisis Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) in that country.

The announcement comes after a terrorist attack on the Yemeni Defense Ministry Complex killed 52 individuals, including seven (7) Filipinos, last December 05. Eleven (11) Filipinos were also injured during the incident.

Crisis Alert Level 3 is raised when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in certain areas of a country.

Filipinos in Yemen who wish to return to the Philippines will be repatriated at the Philippine Government’s expense.

Under Crisis Alert Level 3, the Department of Labor and Employment automatically imposes a total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers.

Our citizens are also advised to defer travel to Yemen regardless of purpose. END