The Philippines Embassy in Qatar is advising its nationals to be “always alert” following recent reports of a possible terrorism-related threat in the Middle East or Africa.

“All Filipinos in Qatar are likewise advised to be mindful of the safety procedures of their companies, work places and also of the Host Country for emergency eventualities,” states a circular bearing the ambassador’s signature that is being passed around on Facebook.

Speaking to Doha News, an embassy official confirmed that they’ve issued an alert in an effort to make Filipinos aware of the terror threat across the region.

“We are just telling our nationals to be extra vigilant,” said the official, who asked to remain unnamed as he isn’t authorized to make statements to media.

Last week, the US announced that it was temporarily closing nearly 20 of its missions in Africa and the Middle East over concerns about an Al Qaeda-related attack.

That threat seems to originate in Yemen, where over the past few days, the US and UK have evacuated diplomatic staff, closed its embassies and urged its nationals to leave the country.

The US Embassy in Qatar is among the offices that closed on Sunday and plans to remain shut for the rest of the week. The heightened state of alert, however, is expected to last through the end of the month.

According to the Philippines Embassy website, the mission will be closed from the first day of Eid through Aug. 17, resuming operations on Aug. 18.

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Credit: Top photo by Philippines Embassy in Qatar; second image courtesy of Jhoe Mugz on Facebook

(h/t Gazanfarulla Khan)