The mandatory evacuation order for Filipinos in four regions in Ethiopia remains after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) maintained the alert level 4 enforced in the areas.
Alert level 4 was maintained in the Tigray, Afar, Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions in northern Ethiopia, the DFA said in a public advisory dated May 17.
Alert Level 4 is raised when there is large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack. Under this alert level, the Philippine government undertakes mandatory evacuation procedures.
Amid this situation, Filipinos were told to limit movement and prepare for prompt evacuation.
"The DFA continues to advise all Filipinos not to travel to these four regions at this time due to the ongoing conflict," the DFA said.
"Filipinos who are still in these four regions are advised to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and immediately prepare for evacuation," it added.
Meanwhile, the department lowered the alert level to 2 for Filipinos in Oromia (including the cities of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa), Somali, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region or SNNPR, Gambella, Harari and South West regions.
According to the DFA, alert level 2 is issued when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance in or external threat to the host country.
Under alert level 2, Filipinos in these regions are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation if necessary.
Under this alert level, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) allows only overseas Filipino workers with existing contracts (balik-manggagawa) to return to the six regions.
They are expected to provide valid Ethiopian residence visa and/or work permit; valid employment contract; overseas employment certificate; guarantee letter from employer stating the provision of repatriation options, medical assistance, and health insurance; guarantee letter from employer, as reflected in the employment contract, or addendum to the agreement, that the Filipino workers will not be deployed to areas under alert level 4.
Filipinos in Ethiopia in need of assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, through email ([email protected]), Viber/WhatsApp , or Facebook (@PHinEgypt).
They may also contact the Philippine Honorary Consul in Addis Ababa by email ([email protected]) or by telephone .