PH calls on restraint to avoid further violence in Syria

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines appealed for restraint to avoid violence from escalating in Syria on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Syria’s army command has announced the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule. He flew out of Damascus for an unknown location as rebels entered the capital.

“The Philippines calls on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence, to avert further casualties and deaths of civilians,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“We express concern regarding the situation of our Filipinos in Syria and advise them to take the necessary precautions and stay in contact with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus,” it added.

The agency said they are continuously monitoring the developments.

The Philippine government has raised Alert Level 4 in Syria, where 703 Filipinos are based.