(Photo courtesy of DMW)
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in France to avoid protest areas and prepare emergency supplies sufficient for three days amid nationwide demonstrations that could disrupt transportation and essential services.
In an advisory issued Friday, the DMW urged Filipinos to remain vigilant, monitor official announcements and follow safety instructions from the Philippine Embassy in France.
The agency warned that ongoing demonstrations could affect public transportation, school operations, government transactions and other services.
“Kaugnay ng posibleng pagkaantala ng pampublikong transportasyon, mga klase, transaksyon sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan, at iba pang serbisyo, nakikiisa ang DMW sa rekomendasyon ng Embahada ng Pilipinas na maghanda ng go bag o emergency kit na sapat para sa tatlong araw,” the agency said.
Emergency supplies and important documents
The DMW recommended that OFWs prepare emergency kits containing drinking water, non-perishable food, personal medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, power banks, chargers and extra clothing.
Families with infants and young children were also advised to prepare milk, drinking water and other essential supplies.
The agency emphasized the importance of securing passports, residence permits and other identification documents in case of unexpected disruptions.
Filipinos were also encouraged to keep sufficient cash, maintain communication with relatives and regularly check official advisories from French authorities.
“Mahalaga ring panatilihing ligtas ang pasaporte, residence permit, at iba pang dokumento, maghanda ng sapat na cash, makipag-ugnayan sa pamilya, at regular na subaybayan ang mga opisyal na anunsyo ng mga awtoridad sa France,” the DMW added.
Emergency hotlines for Filipinos
The DMW reminded OFWs that assistance remains available through the Philippine Embassy in Paris.
Filipinos requiring immediate assistance may contact the following embassy hotlines:
- Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN): +33 6 80 11 52 71
- Consular hotline: +33 6 20 59 25 15
- Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Families in the Philippines may also contact the DMW through its hotline numbers:
- Metro Manila: 1348
- Outside Metro Manila: 02 1348
- From overseas: +63 02 1348
Meanwhile, Filipinos residing or working in Spain may reach the Migrant Workers Office in Madrid through telephone numbers (3491) 577 6755 and (3460) 352 1660.
The office may also be contacted through mwo_madrid@dmw.gov.ph and polomadrid2020@gmail.com.
Protests raise safety concerns
The advisory follows widespread demonstrations across France over wages and the rising cost of living, which have resulted in arrests, injuries and disruptions in several major cities.
French authorities earlier reported hundreds of arrests and injuries among law enforcement personnel during the nationwide protests.
The DMW urged Filipinos to exercise caution when traveling, avoid large gatherings and remain updated on developments that could affect their safety.
The agency reiterated that OFWs should prioritize personal security and coordinate with Philippine diplomatic officials whenever assistance is needed.
