ADVISORY on

EXPLOSIONS IN BRUSSELS AIRPORT AND MAALBEEK METRO STATION

Philippine Embassy – Brussels
March 23, 2016



The Philippine Embassy in Brussels advises Filipinos in Belgium to heed advisories of local authorities in view of today’s explosions at the Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek metro station. It advises the Filipino community in Belgium to stay vigilant and exercise caution in line with the current Alert Level 4 that has been declared by the Belgian authorities.

As the Embassy monitors the situation in Brussels, Ambassador Victoria Bataclan also advises Filipinos to avoid visiting public and crowded places like malls and recreation centers. She also advises the Filipino community to keep calm and monitor news for updates themselves.

“Stay where you are if you do not necessarily need to travel to and from Belgium, and spread caution around,” Ambassador Bataclan said.
The Embassy of the Philippines expresses its condolences to the victims and families of today’s explosions. The Brussels Airport has also set up a hotline for families and friends of passengers, which can be reached at +32 27537300.

For information about Filipino nationals affected by these events, please contact the Embassy through the duty phone number +32 488609177, Ambassador Bataclan’s mobile phone number +32 471309430, landline numbers +32 23403377 or 93, its Facebook page, and email addresses [email protected] and

The Embassy remains open today and tomorrow between 09:00H and 18:00H. It is closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday.

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ADVISORY FOR THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE NETHERLANDS

Philippine Embassy-The Hague
March 23, 2016

23 March 2016—In light of the attacks in Brussels yesterday, 22 March 2016, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands wishes to advise our kababayans to keep informed of developments in this matter, especially those who are planning to undertake travel outside the Netherlands for the Holy Week.

The Dutch Government has pledged its support to the Belgian Government and people in these difficult times, and has noted that, “While many things are still unclear, it’s certain that special vigilance is needed now, not only in Belgium but also in our own country. We will take all necessary precautions.”

Extra patrols by the Royal Military Police will be conducted at Schiphol, Rotterdam and Eindhoven airports, as well as border controls in the southern border. Intensified supervision of police stations will also be instituted in the four (4) major cities, including Roosendaal, Breda and Arnhem for international trains.

The Philippine Embassy takes note of the Dutch Government’s travel advisory to Belgium:
·       Do not travel to Brussels until there is more clarity in the situation. If you are already in Brussels, stay inside as much as possible;
·       Stay away from the airport and subway
·       Follow the instructions given by the Belgian authorities; and
·       Risk of terrorist attacks remain