Gov't implements voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in Iraq

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government urged today Filipinos in Iraq to avail of its repatriation program as it raised crisis alert level there due to "deteriorating security" situation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that Alert Level 3, which calls for voluntary repatriation, has been implemented for all areas in Iraq except for the Iraqi Kurdistan region, which remains under Alert Level 1, or precautionary phase.

Kurdistan remains relatively calm and stable, the department said.

The DFA said it is sending a rapid response team to Iraq to assist in the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos there as it also continues to closely monitor the political and security developments in the country.

Bloody clashes broke out recently between the Iraqi security forces and hundreds of gunmen, forcing massive displacement of some half a million people.