Israel travel advisory may ease if ceasefire holds

Philippine embassy officials may soon recommend the easing of the government's travel advisory to Israel if the ceasefire with militant group Hezbollah holds up and the situation does not deteriorate, a top diplomat told The STAR.

- By JANVIC MATEO

Anthony Achilles Mandap, charge d'affaires at the Philippine embassy here in Israel, said the recent 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a step in the right direction.

"What we told them (Israeli officials) in recent meetings is that as soon as we have seen positive development, especially if this ceasefire holds up and the situation doesn't deteriorate, we will consider recalibrating this travel advisory," Mandap said in an interview earlier this week.

"In fact, I already consulted my team and our consensus is give it a few days, give it a few weeks. If the ceasefire holds and there are no more attacks coming our way, maybe we can recommend that the travel advisory be at least adjusted or recalibrated, if not totally lifted," he added.