The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia urged Filipinos in areas near the Cambodia-Thailand border to avoid conflict areas.

In an advisory posted on Embassy Facebook, it advised Filipinos in the two countries to stay away from areas where military operations are ongoing, including areas near military camps and similar facilities.

The embassy also advised them to monitor the news for the latest security situation updates.  on the security situation.

Likewise pay close attention to official advisories from national and local agencies, and strictly follow instructions from authorities to ensure your safety, the advisory said.

Filipinos were also urged to report their situation and keep the embassy informed of their current location and circumstances.

The embassy said Filipinos may contact the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline or email as follows:

• ATN Hotline: +855 98 888 771 (Call/SMS/Viber/Telegram/WhatsApp)
• ATN Email: phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph

“The safety and well-being of all Filipinos remain our top consideration,” it said.

Filipinos residing in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear, which are border provinces, were advised to accomplish the Embassy’s survey for its coordination efforts, by filling out a Google form.

“The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia stands ready to assist affected Filipinos and will continue to closely monitor the border situation. Those in need of immediate assistance or further guidance may contact the Embassy directly,” the embassy said.

Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia troops have been reported at the border, resulting in the deaths of 20 people and displacement of more than 130,000, Reuters report.

Tensions sparked after Thailand accused Cambodia placing landmines in a disputed area, which led to three soldiers getting injured. Cambodia denied it placed landmines, and said the soldiers veered off agreed routes and stepped on a mine left behind from a war decades ago.

The Philippines urged Thailand and Cambodia to settle their conflict peacefully under international law as border disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors escalate.

Thailand has declared martial law in eight of its districts bordering Cambodia on Friday, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.