PH Embassy warns Filipinos in Lebanon to be cautious amid violent protests

Lebanese riot police fire tear gas during a protest against government’s plans to impose new taxes in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. Demonstrators in Lebanon are blocking major roads across the country in a second day of protests against proposed new taxes, which come amid a severe economic crisis. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon on Saturday appealed to Filipinos in Lebanon to exercise caution as violent protests against proposed new taxes continue to spread there.

“Para sa ating kaligtasan at mabuting kapakanan, umiwas sa mga lugar na maraming tao, may kilos protesta, pagsusunog ng gulong at katulad na gawa,” the Embassy said in a statement on Facebook.

[For your safety, avoid crowded areas, violent protests and other related activities.]

Recently, security forces in Lebanon fired tear gas to disperse activists in Beirut, Lebanon after the latter tried to remove security barriers around the government headquarters. The violent protests left two persons dead and 12 injured.

READ: Protests spread across Lebanon over proposed new taxes

The Embassy also asked Filipinos to stay indoors if they have no important matters to attend to.

In case of emergencies, Filipinos may call the Embassy’s hotline at 03859430.  /muf