Consul: OFWs in Lebanon safe
By Margaux Ortiz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:30:00 05/12/2008
Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino workers in Lebanon have been advised to stay indoors and keep off the streets amid the trouble in the country between two Muslim factions.
Joseph Assad, honorary consul of Lebanon to the Philippines, said the 25,000 Filipino household help in Lebanon would be out of harm’s way if they followed their employers’ instructions, like moving to safer grounds if need be.
“Overseas Filipino workers will not be exposed to harm or accidental shootings between warring groups as long as they follow instructions from their employers,” Assad said in a statement.
The Lebanese consul said he was continuously monitoring the situation in his country and would immediately advise Philippine officials on any action necessary to protect Filipinos in Lebanon.
Abdul Kader Al Jadid, president of the Filipino-Lebanese Friendship Association said he was hopeful the situation would subside “very soon.”
Al Jadid quoted latest reports from Beirut saying the Lebanese Army had started taking over parts of West Beirut as Hezbollah fighters had begun returning to their territories in the south of the city.
Assad said political factions in Beirut have since been trying to forge a dialogue between the Shiite and Sunni groups to prevent any additional violence.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:30:00 05/12/2008
Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino workers in Lebanon have been advised to stay indoors and keep off the streets amid the trouble in the country between two Muslim factions.
Joseph Assad, honorary consul of Lebanon to the Philippines, said the 25,000 Filipino household help in Lebanon would be out of harm’s way if they followed their employers’ instructions, like moving to safer grounds if need be.
“Overseas Filipino workers will not be exposed to harm or accidental shootings between warring groups as long as they follow instructions from their employers,” Assad said in a statement.
The Lebanese consul said he was continuously monitoring the situation in his country and would immediately advise Philippine officials on any action necessary to protect Filipinos in Lebanon.
Abdul Kader Al Jadid, president of the Filipino-Lebanese Friendship Association said he was hopeful the situation would subside “very soon.”
Al Jadid quoted latest reports from Beirut saying the Lebanese Army had started taking over parts of West Beirut as Hezbollah fighters had begun returning to their territories in the south of the city.
Assad said political factions in Beirut have since been trying to forge a dialogue between the Shiite and Sunni groups to prevent any additional violence.
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