DFA raises alert level 1 in Bangladesh, warns Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is asking Filipinos living and working in Bangladesh to be cautious amid growing peace and order problems.

As a precautionary measure, the DFA said yesterday that alert level 1 has been raised “in view of the recent political demonstrations and civil unrest in the country.”

“The security situation can deteriorate without warning,” they continued, as it advised Filipinos in Bangladesh to take necessary steps to secure themselves.

“Exercise precaution and restrict non-essential movement. Remain vigilant, monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities,” the advisory read.

“Always be in possession of valid passports and residence visas. If they have not done so, register their particulars with the Philippine embassy in Dhaka,” the DFA said.

The Philippine embassy in Dhaka may be reached by email at [email protected], while its emergency hotlines are (+880) 1905400079, which can be used for calls, text messaging, Whatsapp and Viber along with Facebook or Messenger through the account PHinBangladesh.

At least a hundred people were recently injured after rival students in Bangladesh clashed over issues revolving around quotas for coveted government jobs.

Reports said hundreds of anti-quota protesters and students backing the ruling Awami League party battled for hours on Dhaka University campus, hurling rocks, fighting with sticks and beating each other with iron rods as some carried machetes while others threw petrol bombs.

Pinoys ‘safe’

Filipinos working in Bangladesh are safe despite the civil unrest, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said yesterday.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said none of the 700 Filipinos staying in Bangladesh have so far asked to be repatriated.

“They are safe and sound at this stage and we hope it stays that way,” Cacdac said at a news forum at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City.

He said the next stage is to get the pulse of the Filipino community in Bangladesh and determine if they wish to return to the Philippines.

“That will unfold in the coming days. The first order of priority is to ensure their safety,” he said. — Emmanuel Tupas