Department of Migrant Workers says no casualty in twin Israeli airstrikes in Beirut

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported on Saturday that no Filipino was injured during two airstrikes carried out by the Israeli army in Beirut on October 10.

The attacks, described as the deadliest in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, struck densely populated areas, resulting in 22 deaths and 117 injuries.

“At present, there have been no reports of any Filipinos injured or killed in the attacks in Lebanon, whether in southern Lebanon or in Beirut,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said during an interview at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

“By God’s grace, we hope it remains that way,” he added.

In an advisory issued on October 12, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut expressed heightened concerns for civilian safety amid the ongoing military operations and advised Filipino nationals in Beirut to avoid the affected areas, especially Ras al-Nabaa and Noueiri.

Cacdac noted that most of the 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon are living and working in the capital city.

Currently, around 570 individuals have expressed their intent to leave Lebanon voluntarily, with 221 already having secured flights scheduled between October 12 and 28. The exit documents for the remaining 350 are being processed by the Philippine Embassy.

The DMW chief added that at least 178 Filipinos are currently being accommodated in shelters and hotels across Lebanon.