Philippine Embassy in Libya places flag on rooftop for protection on airstrikes
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Libya, one of the remaining diplomatic missions open in the country's capital, has taken measures to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.
Philippine Ambassador to Libya Elmer Cato posted photos showing embassy personnel placing a giant Philippine flag on the rooftop of their building.
"With more and more airstrikes in and around Tripoli, we wanted to make sure that [Philippine Embassy in Libya] will not be targeted by mistake by making it clearly identifiable from the air as a diplomatic mission — one of the several that remain open in the Libyan capital," Cato said on Twitter.
With more and more airstrikes in and around Tripoli, we wanted to make sure that @PhinLibya will not be targeted by mistake by making it clearly identifiable from the air as a diplomatic mission—one of several that remain open in the Libyan capital. @teddyboylocsin @DFAPHL pic.twitter.com/bvAzoj0Eox
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) May 1, 2019
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said he had raised Alert Level 4 in Tripoli and 100 kilometers around the capital.
This alert level requires mandatory evacuation but Locsin clarified that they "cannot compel" Filipinos in Libya to do so.
The Department of Foreign Affairs issues Alert Level 4 "when there is large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack."
Despite the declaration of the highest alert level in Tripoli, the Philippine Embassy will remain open to assist Filipinos who may need assistance.
"We will stay and remain open to assist our kababayan in Tripoli and surrounding areas. We don't have any plans of abandoning our people," Cato tweeted Wednesday.
Locsin also said the embassy would remain open even until the last Filipino worker goes home.
"Even after the last OFW is gone our flag is not coming down from where the flag flies now," Locsin said.
Copy you loud and clear, Sir. We will keep our flag flying until none of us is left standing. Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas! pic.twitter.com/1zNUjds785
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) May 1, 2019
Libya has seen a surge in violence after military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an assault on Tripoli last April 4.
Haftar's forces have clashed with fighters backing the internationally recognized unity government around the capital.
The violence has killed 376 people and wounded 1,822, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, while over 40,000 are estimated to have fled the fighting. — with AFP
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