Pinoys told to take precautions

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos in Turkey, where anti-government protests are escalating, were advised to take extra precautions.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippine embassy in Ankara continues to monitor the peace and order situation there after demonstrations have been reported in several Turkish cities.

“While there are no specific threats against Filipinos, our embassy, nevertheless, advised our kababayans in Turkey to take extra precaution and to stay away from areas where demonstrations are being held to avoid being caught in the clashes between law enforcers and protesters,” Hernandez said.

He said the government does not see the need to impose a travel ban on Turkey because the incidents are confined to particular areas.

Consul Leilani Feliciano of the Philippine embassy in Ankara said there has been chaos all over Istanbul and Ankara for several days now.

Feliciano said the protests are “taking on a new dimension” and Filipinos were advised to “keep off and stay out of Taksim Square in Istanbul and Kizilay and Tunali in Ankara.”

“Pray that this violence ends soon,” she added.