The Philippines has placed Lebanon under Alert Level 3 as border tensions increased between Israel and Islamist group Hezbollah, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA Usec. Eduardo de Vega on Saturday said Alert Level 3 has been raised in the Middle Eastern country due to worsening fighting related to the Israeli conflict.

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut earlier ordered the evacuation of 67 Filipinos in southern Lebanon due to Hezbollah activities.

There has been an ongoing exchange of fire between the Israeli forces and Lebanon-based militants, which led to the death of some Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters.

The conflict between the two started after Palestinian militants fired shots from Lebanon, hours after the extremist group Hamas launched a surprise attack in Israel on October 7.

The Israeli Defense Forces retaliated by attacking the Lebanese territory, which includes the areas controlled by Hezbollah. The latter then responded by firing missiles into Israel.

Over 17,500 Filipinos are living in Lebanon, with 67 residing at the border where Hamas’ ally Hezbollah is stationed, the DFA said.

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