Alert News 004-03
March 21, 2003
Reports from the Philippine Embassies in Tel Aviv, Israel
and Kuwait
Tel Aviv, Israel
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Belen Anota reported to Foreign Affairs Secretary
Blas F. Ople that Israel remains peaceful and Tel Aviv’s assessment remains
that a possibility of an Iraq missile attack is very low.
The Philippine Embassy is constantly in touch with members of the Filipino
community and has initiated drills where Filipinos gather to assemble and
test gas mask kits. The OFWs have also been instructed to carry their gas
mask with them wherever they go, secure atropine vaccine and go straight
home from work. Every OFW has a gas mask and preparedness manual on hand.
There are nine Filipinos currently in detention. The Philippine Embassy
has requested the Ministry of Interior to ensure their safety.
Kuwait
Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Bayani Mangibin said Filipinos in Kuwait
remain calm. Around 150 of them have been moved to Bahay Pinoy, the embassy’s
relocation site.
The Philippine Embassy was able to negotiate with the Saudi Embassy in
Kuwait visa-free entry for OFWs crossing the Saudi Arabia border. Since yesterday,
there were a few Filipino domestic helpers who have crossed the border with
their Kuwaiti sponsors.
Ambassador Mangibin advised relatives and friends of OFWs in Kuwait not
to panic because everything is under control despite the reported missile
attacks from Iraq.
For further information, families of OFWs in these two countries can get
in touch with the DFA-DOLE Joint Action Center through telephone nos. 8318874/8343333
and 834-4997.