FILIPINOS TOLD TO AVOID AREAS NEAR INDIA-PAKISTAN BORDER

THE Philippines Embassy advised all Filipinos traveling to and within Pakistan to exercise caution and avoid areas near the India-Pakistan border as New Delhi launched a missile attack in several Pakistani-administered areas in Kashmir on Wednesday.

According to India, it mounted the air strikes dubbed “Operation Sindoor” in response to the terror attack that killed 26 people in the Indian-administered town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

The Philippines Embassy in Islamabad said Filipinos should avoid travel to Bhimber City, Azad Kashmir, the Sialkot Line of Control and anywhere within five miles of the India-Pakistan border.

Filipinos residing in these areas are advised to be vigilant and avoid the border zones and public gathering sites.

The Philippine Embassy also reminded Filipinos to remain indoors, monitor official announcements from local authorities, maintain regular contact with employers and community coordinators, as well as to prepare for emergency in case of evacuation.

There are around 30 Filipinos, mostly wives/families of Pakistani nationals, residing in Sialkot, situated some 20 km. from the Jammu border, according to Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza.

There are 3,151 Filipinos in Pakistan and an estimated 3,350 in India.

Daza said no Filipino was reported hurt by the air  strikes.

No  Pakistani military facilities were also struck as India targeted nine sites and hit “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.