NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DFA Urges Filipinos To Postpone Holy Land Trips
Photo credit: DFA
In light of the escalating hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a strong advisory urging Filipino citizens to reconsider their travel plans to the Holy Land sites.
While no travel ban has been imposed on Israel, the DFA is recommending that individuals avoid visiting the region at this time.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega emphasized the importance of exercising caution during this tumultuous period.
He stated during a press briefing in Malacañang, "We're not telling you not to go, but we're advising you that it's best, if possible, to postpone your trips until we're absolutely sure that the hostilities have ended."
Despite the fact that the Holy Land sites are not directly affected by the ongoing conflict, De Vega stressed that it is not normal to visit a country under a state of war.
"Even the Prime Minister of Israel has said that we are in a state of war. So, it's not normal for somebody to want to visit a country which is in a state of war," he noted.
De Vega also highlighted the potential complications that may arise from attempting to travel during this turbulent period.
He mentioned cases of Filipino travelers who encountered difficulties with their flights out of Israel. Some managed to return to the Philippines, but subsequent flights were canceled due to the deteriorating security situation.
The advisory comes as several airlines in Asia, including Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air, have canceled their flights to Tel Aviv due to security concerns. Other international airlines have followed suit, further underscoring the need for caution when planning travel to the region.
While no travel ban has been imposed on Israel, the DFA is recommending that individuals avoid visiting the region at this time.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega emphasized the importance of exercising caution during this tumultuous period.
He stated during a press briefing in Malacañang, "We're not telling you not to go, but we're advising you that it's best, if possible, to postpone your trips until we're absolutely sure that the hostilities have ended."
Despite the fact that the Holy Land sites are not directly affected by the ongoing conflict, De Vega stressed that it is not normal to visit a country under a state of war.
"Even the Prime Minister of Israel has said that we are in a state of war. So, it's not normal for somebody to want to visit a country which is in a state of war," he noted.
De Vega also highlighted the potential complications that may arise from attempting to travel during this turbulent period.
He mentioned cases of Filipino travelers who encountered difficulties with their flights out of Israel. Some managed to return to the Philippines, but subsequent flights were canceled due to the deteriorating security situation.
The advisory comes as several airlines in Asia, including Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air, have canceled their flights to Tel Aviv due to security concerns. Other international airlines have followed suit, further underscoring the need for caution when planning travel to the region.
Oct 10, 2023
