Philippine Embassy in Rome urges Filipinos in Italy to avoid protest areas and keep emergency hotlines handy

The Philippine Embassy in Rome urged Filipinos in Italy to exercise heightened caution and avoid protest sites as demonstrations were expected in several Italian cities, and shared emergency hotlines for the embassy and the consulate general in Milan.

The Philippine Embassy in Rome urged Filipinos in Italy to exercise heightened caution as demonstrations and public disturbances were expected in several Italian cities on Saturday, 24 October, ABS-CBN News reported. The embassy identified Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Padua, Bari and Genoa as areas where further demonstrations were expected.

The embassy said recent protests in some Italian cities had resulted in clashes with police, property damage and looting, although many demonstrations may remain peaceful. Filipinos were advised to avoid protest sites and large gatherings, not to participate in or approach protest activities, to monitor local news and to follow instructions from Italian authorities.

Filipinos were also advised to keep their mobile phones charged, keep identification documents, emergency contacts and essential medicines accessible, and keep adequate supplies of food, water and medicines at home in case movement is disrupted.

Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers reminded overseas Filipino workers in Italy to prioritise their safety after a demonstration in Milan escalated into a confrontation between police and protesters, INQUIRER.net reported. No Filipinos were reported injured or directly affected, and the DMW said it was coordinating with the Migrant Workers Office in Milan.

In an emergency, Filipinos in Italy may call Italian emergency services at 112, the Philippine Embassy in Rome's emergency hotline at +39 334 658 2118, or the Philippine Consulate General in Milan's Assistance-to-Nationals hotline at +39 389 683 5076.

Subscribe to newsletter