DFA releases security notice on New Caledonia

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday advised Filipinos in New Caledonia to remain vigilant amid growing unrest in the French territory.

The DFA said the island country was currently under alert level 2.

«Filipinos living in New Caledonia are advised to remain vigilant, avoid public spaces, and restrict non-essential movement. Filipinos are also advised to monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities,» it said.

A truck of the French Gendarmerie drives down a street in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia on May 31, 2024. Daily life in New Caledonia is slowly returning to normal after the lifting of the state of emergency that had been imposed for nearly two weeks to quell intense rioting that killed seven people and injured hundreds. (Photo by Theo Rouby / AFP)

The French government has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia after deadly violence erupted for a third day between protesters, militias, and the police. Arson attacks on buildings and cars that have resulted in at least four deaths were reported. The latest unrest was considered the worst since the 1980s.

The conflict was attributed to long-standing political tensions between the largely pro-independence Indigenous Kanak communities and French inhabitants who opposed breaking ties with France.

The capital, Noumea, has imposed a curfew and closed its main airport to commercial traffic. It also prohibited public gatherings, carrying weapons, and selling alcohol.

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