DFA to Filipinos: Don't go to South Sudan

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday warned Filipinos against traveling to South Sudan amid the volatile political and security situation in the world's youngest country.

"The DFA maintains the current Alert Level 3 and strongly advises all Filipinos against travel to South Sudan," the state agency said, adding that it is monitoring developments in the country.

Under alert level 3, Filipinos are advised to voluntarily go home to the Philippines.

"Under this Alert Level, the Department of Labor and Employmentautomatically imposes absolute deployment ban," DFA added.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 amid political and social turmoil. Tensions between warring tribes continue to escalate as the young nation struggles with poverty.