Philippines orders mandatory evacuation of workers in Iraq

January 8, 2020

The Philippine government on Wednesday ordered mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers in Iraq amid heightened tensions in the area.


Alert Level 4 - the highest security warning given by the Philippines on countries that pose security risks to Filipino travelers and workers - was announced as Iran fired rockets at Iraq's al Asad airbase, which hosts US forces.


There are at least 1,600 Filipinos in Iraq. More than half are working in Kurdistan region and the rest are in the Baghdad area.


"Filipinos in iraq and the Kurdistan region of Iraq are assured that the Philippine government would repatriate any Filipino who may be affected or displaced by the ongoing crisis," said Philippine Chargè d’ Affairès Jomar Sadie.


Filipinos there were advised "to remain vigilant, exercise caution and maintain situational awareness at all times."


Under alert level 4, all Filipinos there are asked to leave and join the ongoing evacuation being offered by the Philippine government. Celerina Monte/DMS