THE Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the alert level in Haiti and called for the voluntary evacuation of Filipinos in the strife-torn country.
The decision to raise Alert Level 3, according to the DFA, is due to the “current unstable security situation” in Haiti.
This is only one level lower than Alert Level 4, which would mean the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos.
The said alert level also prohibits the deployment of new and returning Filipinos to the country.
“Filipinos living in Haiti are also advised to remain vigilant, avoid public places, and to restrict non-essential movement,” the DFA advisory said.
There are 169 Filipinos currently in Haiti, the majority of them in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital.
Earlier, the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers said they are set to repatriate at least 63 Filipinos in Haiti.
Widespread killings, kidnapping, robbery and abuse were earlier reported in Haiti perpetrated by various gangs opposed to the administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Under international pressure and stranded in Puerto Rico, Henry announced his resignation pending a temporary replacement a week ago but members of the council set to choose his replacement have yet to be appointed.