DFA raises alert level 2 in Egypt

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised crisis alert level 2 over Egypt even as it urged nearly 6,000 Filipinos there to prepare for possible evacuation.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said the crisis alert level was raised from 1 to 2 due to the worsening security situation in the country.

The DFA raised alert level 1 over Egypt following the ouster of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi last July 4.

“I wish to inform the public that upon the advice of our embassy in Cairo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario just raised crisis alert level 2 over Egypt in view of the deteriorating peace and order situation in that country,” Hernandez said in a press briefing.

He said at alert level 2, all Filipinos in Egypt are advised to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and to prepare for possible evacuation.

Hernandez also said the deployment of newly hired overseas Filipino workers will be put on hold.

He said returning Filipino workers with existing contracts may still proceed but advised them to take precautionary measures.

“The public should likewise postpone all non-essential trips to Egypt,” Hernandez said.

He said the Philippine embassy in Cairo is ready to assist Filipinos there.

Hernandez said there are 5,953 Filipinos in Egypt, most of them household service workers, some professionals and others working at construction companies.

Hernandez explained that at alert level 3, the government will implement voluntary repatriation.