The Philippine government is considering whether to raise the alert status in Lebanon to Alert Level 4, which would trigger mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in the conflict-stricken country.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is reviewing the situation, but it remains unclear when a final decision will be made. Currently, Lebanon is at Alert Level 3, allowing for voluntary repatriation.
“The DFA is conducting the review, and we will await their guidance,” Cacdac stated during a press briefing at Malacañang. He added that the government is prepared should the alert level escalate to mandatory repatriation.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio assured that personnel and resources are in place to assist Filipinos in Lebanon, with 179 already staying in government shelters. Ignacio mentioned that the atmosphere in these shelters is calm and well-managed, with Filipinos receiving food and care.
As of October 8, the Philippine embassy in Beirut has received 1,721 applications for repatriation, with 511 already returned home. Approximately 11,000 Filipinos remain in Lebanon, and repatriated workers will receive P150,000 in cash assistance upon their return.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of Filipinos affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
