Manila, June 12 -- Filipinos have been told to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq due to "prevailing security situation in the region."

"Due to recent developments in the region, Filipino nationals are advised to monitor ongoing news and contact Embassy Hotline (+964 740 810 5240) for emergencies," the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad said on Thursday.

"Filipino nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq due to the prevailing security situation in the region," it added.

Filipinos who are already in Iraq, meanwhile, are advised to avoid public places, monitor ongoing news, exercise caution, and remain vigilant.

To date, Iraq remains under Alert Level 3 status, meaning "violent disturbances or external aggression" in a limited...