DFA raises alert level 4 for Pinoys in Gaza

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday called on Filipinos in Gaza to go home amid the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the area.

DFA raised its alert level to 4, which entails mandatory repatriation of Filipino nationals.

"The Philippine Embassies in Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Amman are ready to repatriate Filipinos from Gaza in coordination with concerned authorities of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the United Nations and other International Organizations operating in Gaza," the state agency said.

Meanwhile, level 2 (restriction phase) was raised in areas within 15 kilometers from the border in Gaza and level 1 (precautionary phase) was hoisted in the West Bank and the rest of Israel.

"The DFA continues to closely monitor developments. The Philippines calls for the cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives," DFA noted.