PH Embassy in France urges Filipinos to avoid protest areas

THE Philippine Embassy in France has urged Filipinos to avoid protest areas and large gatherings amid demonstrations across the country, reporting no injuries, deaths or arrests involving Filipino nationals in connection with the protests on Oct. 17.

In an advisory, the embassy said incidents of violence and property damage had been reported in several areas, including Paris, and reminded Filipinos to prioritize their safety and follow instructions from local authorities.

The embassy advised the Filipino community to remain calm, avoid involvement in political gatherings and leave immediately if tensions escalate. It also cautioned against sharing unverified information on social media that could fuel unrest or misunderstanding.

Filipinos were likewise urged to monitor official announcements on demonstrations, road closures and public transportation disruptions, keep their mobile phones charged, carry identification and maintain communication with family members.

Parents and caregivers were encouraged to remind children and teenagers to stay away from potentially dangerous gatherings.

The embassy said Filipinos requiring emergency or consular assistance may contact its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline at +33 6 80 11 52 71 or its consular hotline at +33 6 20 59 25 15. They may also email paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph.

The embassy said it continues to monitor the situation and remains available to assist Filipino nationals in France.