Amid ongoing missile strikes in Syria, PHL gov’t issues security advisory for Filipinos there

A photo released on April 14, 2018 in the Twitter page of the Syrian government’s central military media shows an explosion on the outskirts of Damascus after Western strikes reportedly hit Syrian military bases and chemical research centers in and around the capital. / AFP Photo / /Syrian Government’s Central Military Media / Handout

(Eagle News)—-The Philippine government is advising the around 1000 Filipinos in Syria to stay in their homes “until further advice.”

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato made the statement amid the ongoing Western missile strikes  on supposed Syrian chemical facilities.

“So far, the embassy has not received any reports of Filipino casualties in the attacks that appear to have targeted military installations in and around Damascus,” he said.

He said the personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus were all safe.

Cato said the Philippine embassy would continue to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Syria.

It was the US, United Kingdom and France that have launched attacks on the supposed facilities.

US President Donald Trump has said the strikes would continue unless Syria put a halt to what he said was its  use of chemical weapons.

The US has accused the Syrian government of launching a chemical attack in Douma, among others.