'Pack up and run' from Lebanon, says Philippines

The Philippines on Saturday stated that Filipinos working in southern Lebanon should "pack up and run".

Spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs Gilbert Asuque said, "Pack up and run," adding, "All Filipinos, get out of there and go to the embassy or the relocation sites. We don't want our Filipinos to be caught in the crossfire."

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said around 2000 Filipinos in southern Lebanon could be experiencing Israel's heavy onslaught, one of which occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

Offering an interim solution for its people, the Philippine government called on the Vatican to open more of its doors to Filipinos fleeing fighting in Lebanon.

So far two Roman Catholic churches in Beirut have been providing shelter to Filipinos and Thais seeking refuge from the violence.