DFA cautions 703 Pinoys in Syria after Assad’s fall

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday expressed concern for over 700 Filipinos in Syria after Syrian rebels declared President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster after seizing control of Damascus.

“We express concern regarding the situation of our Filipinos in Syria and advise them to take the necessary precautions and stay in contact with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus,” the DFA said in a statement.

According to the DFA, there are 703 Filipinos in Syria.

The DFA continues to “monitor, with concern, ongoing developments in Syria.”

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Alert Level 4 (mandatory repatriation) remains in Syria.

“It has remained unchanged and is still at Alert Level 4,” Daza said.

Syrian rebels declared Assad’s ouster, ending his family’s iron-fisted rule after more than 13 years of civil war.

“The Philippines calls on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence, to avert further casualties and deaths of civilians,” the DFA said.

Syria’s armed opposition said its fighters have captured the capital Damascus, and that Assad has fled the country.