The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli on Sunday urged Filipinos to leave Libya amid the rising political chaos and armed conflict there.
Speaking to radio dzMM, Tripoli Charge d’affaires Adelio Angelito Cruz said that the unrest in Libya has become dangerous for the 3,000 Pinoy expatriates there, most of whom are working in the health sector.
Cruz added that many Filipinos employed in government hospitals have stopped receiving their salary but are still refusing to return to the Philippines in the hopes of receiving a gratuity pay.
The Libyan economy has been on the verge of collapse as two governments — one in the east, the other in Tripoli — continue fighting for control of the North African state four years after leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted.
Islamic State militants have also gained a foothold in the oil-rich country amid its political turmoil.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised Alert Level 4 in Libya.
Cruz said Filipinos may return there once the conflict in the country is resolved.
“Delikado na po talaga. Kung gumanda naman ang panahon — magkaroon na ng isang gobyerno at maibalik ang oil production — kung gaganda po ang sitwasyon dito, maibababa naman natin ang Alert Level 4 at sila’y makakabalik naman po,” he said.
– from ABS-CBN.com
