By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East, assuring the public that no Filipinos have been reported injured amid recent incidents.
In a statement, the DFA said authorities in Iraq have extended the closure of the country’s airspace for all flights for 72 hours, from March 22 to March 25, while Iraqi Airways has suspended operations until April 2.
It added that no Filipino was harmed in the eight attacks targeting a United States diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad International Airport on Sunday.
Iraqi authorities are also granting seven-day transit visas to stranded foreign nationals to facilitate their safe return, while land borders with Türkiye, Kuwait and Jordan remain open.
In Bahrain, the Philippine Embassy in Manama reported that 89 Filipinos have safely arrived in Saudi Arabia as of March 20, with 79 set for repatriation to the Philippines, seven returning via separate flights, and three bound for other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai facilitated the repatriation of 50 stranded Filipino tourists on March 18 through a chartered flight organized by the Department of Migrant Workers.
A total of 317 repatriates boarded the flight, including 153 overseas Filipino workers, 114 dependents and 50 tourists.
Filipinos in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, avoid restricted locations and coordinate with Philippine posts for assistance and updates. (PNA)
