DFA raises crisis alert level 2 for Venezuela

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The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the crisis alert level for Venezuela from 1 (precautionary phase) to 2 (restriction phase).

Alert level 2 is issued when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance or external threat. Filipinos in the area are advised to limit non-essential movements, to avoid public places, and to prepare for possible evacuation.

Under alert level 2, the Department of Labor and Employment only allows overseas Filipino workers with existing contracts (balik-manggagawa) to return to their host country.

The Philippine Embassy in Mexico, which has jurisdiction over Venezuela, has already dispatched a consular officer to Caracas to provide on the ground assessment, to coordinate with the Philippine Honorary Consul General in Venezuela, and to assist the estimated 104 Filipino nationals in that country.