On the Situation in Libya

10 January 2020 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is appealing to Filipinos in Tripoli living in areas where fighting is now taking place to evacuate their homes or request repatriation.

The DFA issued the appeal after the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli reported that another five Filipinos were displaced by the ongoing hostilities that have moved closer to the center of the Libyan capital. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Elmer G. Cato said the five nurses fled a housing compound in Tarik Shuk District after it was struck by an artillery shell on Wednesday. On the same day, an artillery shell exploded just behind a clinic in Salahuddin District where eight nurses, who were rescued by the Embassy last week, were working.

More than 30 Filipinos have so far evacuated their homes since fighting reached some populated areas of Tripoli last week. Chargé d’Affaires Cato said around 400 Filipino nurses and other hospital workers, university professors, and oil company employees and their dependents living or working in several areas near the fighting are at risk. He said they should relocate as soon as possible to avoid becoming collateral damage. He also informed them that they can also avail themselves of the repatriation program of the Philippine Government.

Chargé d’Affaires Cato said the Embassy is ready to respond to those who request assistance and provide temporary shelter to those who are displaced. Since the start of the year, 11 Filipinos have requested assistance in getting repatriated and should soon be on their way home. END