MANILA — In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have seized control of Damascus, effectively ending President Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime, prompting the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue urgent advisories for its citizens in the war-torn country.
The DFA announced Sunday that approximately 703 Filipinos currently residing in Syria should exercise heightened vigilance and maintain direct communication with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus. An existing Alert Level 4, mandating mandatory repatriation, remains in effect.
“We express deep concern regarding the situation of our nationals and advise them to take necessary precautions,” the department stated in an official communiqué.
The civil conflict, which has ravaged Syria for over 13 years, reached a critical juncture as rebel forces successfully captured the capital. Reports indicate that al-Assad has fled to Moscow, seeking asylum in Russia.
Philippine Foreign Affairs officials are calling for international restraint, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further civilian casualties. The government continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
The development underscores the volatile nature of the long-standing Syrian conflict and raises immediate concerns for foreign nationals trapped in the midst of potential political upheaval.
