NO Filipinos were killed or hurt during protest actions in Damascus, Syria, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

The DFA clarified earlier reports that there were two Filipino domestic helpers caught in crossfire during the April 29 protests. The two were said to be running errands when they were hit by stray bullets.

“The Embassy contacted area coordinators and volunteers from the Filipino community in Syria. They all informed the Embassy that no such incident happened,” Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wifredo Cuyugan said.

Cuyugan said there were inconsistencies in the report.  He said there were no demonstrations in Damascus on April 29 because the city and its neighboring governorates were experiencing a heavy hailstorm that day.

The alleged incident happened on a Friday, when most if not all stores  are closed. 

The envoy said it is highly improbable for Syrian employers to send their househelps on an errand amid heavy gunfire and protests.

He said there is an existing protocol for hospitals and local police departments, not only in Damascus but the whole of Syria, to inform the Embassy of such incidents. 

The DFA warned concerned parties in releasing baseless, unverified stories to avoid causing anxiety among people.

On April 26, the DFA raised crisis alert level 2 in Syria in the light of the continuing political tension there.

It also urged and offered assistance to Filipinos in Daraa, Latakia and Homs who wish to be repatriated.

There are around 17,000 Filipinos in Syria.