The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon has issued an urgent safety advisory for all Filipinos in the country, warning them to be extra cautious as the funeral of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is set to take place on Sunday, February 23.
What Filipinos Should Do
In a February 19 Facebook post, the embassy strongly advised Filipinos to:
✅ Stay indoors as much as possible.
✅ Avoid crowded places, demonstrations, and large gatherings where tensions could rise.
✅ Stay alert and be aware of their surroundings.
The embassy also provided emergency hotlines for those who may need assistance:
📞 For permanent residents: Call the Embassy ATN hotline at +961 70 858 086
📞 For overseas workers: Contact the Migrant Workers Office at +961 79 110 729
Why Is This Funeral a Big Deal?
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the group’s central command headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs back in September 2024. The attack was part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon.
Since his death, the situation in Lebanon has become more dangerous. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the Israeli attacks in September 2024 led to:
⚠️ Over 1,000 deaths
⚠️ More than 6,000 people injured
⚠️ Nearly one million people forced to leave their homes
Why Filipinos in Lebanon Should Be Careful
Large public gatherings, especially funerals for important figures like Nasrallah, can sometimes turn into protests or violent clashes. The Philippine Embassy is urging Filipinos to be extremely careful during this time to avoid any possible danger.
Stay Safe & Stay Informed!
The embassy will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates. Filipinos in Lebanon are advised to follow local news and official announcements to ensure their safety.
🙏 Let’s pray for the safety of all Filipinos in Lebanon. 🙏