THE Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh yesterday urged Filipinos in Cambodia to avoid conflict areas following the escalation of weeks of border dispute into clashes between the Cambodian and Thai militaries.
At least nine people have been reported killed in the latest clashes, which saw Thailand dispatching F16 fighter jets to bomb targets in Cambodia, while Cambodia reportedly used artillery and multiple rocket launchers.
In view of the clashes, the embassy urged Filipinos in Cambodia to stay away from conflict areas and areas where military operations are reported.
“Avoid military camps, facilities, and forces,” it said.
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand likewise urged Filipinos in the border areas with Cambodia where thee heavy fighting are happening to exercise extreme caution and take steps to ensure their personal safety.
“In view of the ongoing heavy fighting at various locations along the Thai – Cambodian border, the Philippine Embassy in Thailand urgently advises members of the Filipino community in the border provinces of Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat to earnestly follow the advice, including any evacuation orders, from local public safety and community officials, their employers, and other pertinent authorities in the affected areas,” the embassy said in a statement.
“All Filipinos in areas near the border are also enjoined to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, take steps to ensure their personal safety, and report their whereabouts to the Philippine Embassy,” it added.
It discouraged Filipinos from travelling to the conflict areas.
The embassies in Cambodia and Thailand advised Filipinos to read the latest updates on the security situation in affected and surrounding areas by following government sources and reliable news outlets, and to follow advisories from national and local agencies and instructions from authorities to ensure their safety.
Filipinos in Cambodia were urged to get in touch with the embassy and provide their current location by contacting Assistance-to-Nationals hotline +855 98 888 771 (Call/SMS/Viber/Telegram/WhatsApp), or send messages to phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.
“The safety and well-being of all Filipinos remain our top consideration. The Embassy urges Filipinos residing in the border provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear to accomplish the following survey, which will aid the Embassy’s coordination efforts: htps://forms.gle/uCHbYTHkP5HrcZbf7.,” it also said.
For those in Thailand, the embassy said they can call (+66) 81 989 7116, or the Migrant Workers Office ATN hotline (66) 83 137 6167 and send messages to @bangkokpeconsular@dfa.gov.ph.
The two embassies assured Filipinos they are ready to assist them anytime.
“Those in need of immediate assistance or further guidance may contact the Embassy directly,” it said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday urged Bangkok and Phnom Penh to observe restraint and ensure the protection of civilians amid the clashes.
In a statement, the DFA called on both countries to resolve their border dispute peacefully.
“We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” it said.
It also stressed the importance of “maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation.”
As of 2023, there are more than 7, 000 Filipinos living and working in Cambodia, while more than 40,000 Filipinos are in Thailand.
