Metro Manila, Philippines — Filipinos in Bangladesh should take precautionary measures because of political demonstrations and civil unrest there, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
It has placed Bangladesh under Crisis Alert Level 1, warning Filipinos living and working there that the security situation “can deteriorate without warning.” The DFA called on Filipinos in the South Asian country to exercise precaution and restrict non-essential movement. Filipinos are also encouraged to be on alert, monitor and follow guidelines from local authorities. “Always be in possession of valid passports and residence visas and register with the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka,” the DFA said. Weeks of protests have rocked Bangladesh that led to the arrest of more than 10,00 people. The chaos was triggered by a mass student movement opposing quotas for government jobs. “The exact human toll during the recent violence and terrorist acts is becoming evident as the government assesses the tragic loss of lives, casualties and damages to public properties,” the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said in a statement on July 28. “The government remains committed to hold accountable through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage,” it added. Filipinos in Bangladesh can reach out to the Philippine government through the following contacts: Email address: dhaka.pe@dfa.gov.ph Emergency hotlines: (+880) 190.540.0079 (SMS, Calls, Whatsapp & Viber)
