4 FILIPINOS HURT, INCLUDING 3 IN ICU, IN RIYADH AIRPORT ATTACK

FOUR FILIPINOS on Saturday were injured, including three now in the intensive care unit (ICU), following an attack at an international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the wounded Filipinos are receiving treatment at different hospitals in Riyadh.

The DMW chief said they are monitoring the situation as the Department vowed to provide assistance to the injured Filipinos.

The DMW advised Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to avoid going to areas where potential attacks such as military installations can happen.

Filipinos in the said country were also told to follow updates and announcements from the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Those who are set to return to the Philippines were advised to  coordinate with the  airlines regarding  their flight schedules.

Moreover, Filipino workers were directed not to take pictures or videos of the attacks as this is prohibited in KSA.

CACDAC CALLS FOR PRAYER FOR FILIPINOS IN SAUDI ARABIA, MIDDLE EAST

Cacdac on Monday appealed for prayers for the safety of all overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East following the escalating tension in the region.

During last Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, Cacdac urged everyone to pray for the de-escalation of conflict in Saudia Arabia and the Middle East.

“Let’s pray mightily to the heavens para maibsan itong karahasan at mga tensyon na bumabalot ngayon sa Saudi Arabia at sa Gitnang Silangan,” Cacdac said.

He assured that the DMW, along with other government agencies, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare and protection of the OFWs and their families.

The attack at the King Khalid International Airport occurred on Saturday and claimed the lives of at least 12 people and injured over 300 others, according to Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation officials.

A diplomatic source attributed the attack to a missile fired by Yemen-backed Houthis. 

The airport suspended its operations on Saturday following the incident.