Pinoys cautioned amid reported missile targeting in Saudi

MANILA — Filipinos have been urged to remain vigilant after Saudi authorities reportedly intercepted two alleged Houthi ballistic missiles heading toward Makkah and Jeddah on Monday.

In an advisory dated May 20, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah asked all Filipinos living in the city and nearby areas to “remain calm but vigilant for any eventualities.”

“Our kababayans in these areas are further advised to limit unnecessary visits to government offices and public places unless urgent,” it added.

In case of “any eventuality, especially affecting Filipinos,” they were encouraged to contact the consulate immediately at 055-521-9613 or 055-521-9614.

Citing reports from Saudi authorities, the consulate said the missiles were intercepted over Taif, 50 km. away from Makkah or Mecca. Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, hosts more than a million Muslims joining the Hajj pilgrimage annually.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi, on the other hand, denied it fired the ballistic missiles toward the city.