Pinoys in Israel advised to avoid going to West Bank until Sept. 27

September 20 ------ The Philippine Embassy in Israel advised Filipinos to avoid or postpone going to the West Bank and other areas until September 27 for their safety.

Filipinos were advised to stay clear of these places:

• West Bank (Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, etc.)

• Jerusalem (Temple Mount, Damascus Gate, Herod's Gate, Al Wad Road, Musrara Road, Areas around East Jerusalem)

• Golan Heights

• Areas near the border of Lebanon and Gaza

"Maging maingat at magpagmatyag sa paligid," the embassy said in an advisory. The embassy also advised Filipinos not to take photos or videos or go near an ongoing clash or act of violence. Instead, Filipinos were urged to hide or immediately leave the area. Pinoys were also advised to avoid crowded areas, be careful when taking public transportation, and not to approach Israeli security forces deployed in sensitive areas. Filipinos were also told to follow the directives of the Israeli security forces and the Home Front Command.

For emergencies, Filipinos may contact any of the following, the embassy said:

• Magen David Adom - 101

• Police - 100

• Home Front Command - 104

• Israel Electric Corporation - 103

• Municipality Call Center - 106/107/108

• Philippine Embassy emergency hotline - +972544661188

Tensions arose between Israelis and Palestinians last week. The Palestinian health ministry said Israeli forces killed a Palestinian teenager during clashes in the West Bank, according to a report. A day before, two Palestinian gunmen, one of them a member of a US-backed security service, killed an Israeli army officer along the West Bank boundary near the Palestinian town of Benin, it was reported. The gunmen were shot dead by other troops, according to the Israeli military.

Source: gmanetwork.com