BEIRUT - H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, paid a call on Major General Imad Osman, Head of the Director General for Internal Security Forces (ISF), Lebanon’s state police force, on 12 July 2023 to discuss the Philippine government’s assistance to overseas Filipinos in distress and the maintenance of security among diplomatic institutions. Both parties recognized the importance of strengthening ties with ISF to ensure the protection of the rights of Filipino migrants across Lebanon.
Photo: Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat discusses with ISF Director-General Imad Osman the Philippine government’s assistance to overseas Filipinos in distress and the maintenance of diplomatic security. (Photo courtesy of ISF)
Ambassador Balatbat expressed his appreciation to Major General Osman for his leadership in ISF which has succeeded in maintaining domestic peace and order, amidst the on-going economic crisis which has hit Lebanon since 2019. Ambassador Balatbat also took this opportunity to personally convey the Embassy’s transfer to a new location and its request for additional diplomatic police which is under ISF’s purview.
Major General Osman welcomed the Philippine Embassy delegation and positively responded to the aforementioned request. He emphasized that despite the challenges of the economic crisis, ISF remains a strong institution as a law enforcement agency aimed at maintaining peace and order across the seven Lebanese governorates. The Director-General also stressed ISF’s accomplishments in intercepting transnational crimes and extremism, among other security threats he addresses through various departments under his authority.
Both parties showed their willingness to explore areas of mutual cooperation, especially in sharing best practices and technical training on specialized operations. Lebanon’s ISF has trained with counterparts in the United States and France in the past. The ISF also welcomed external partnerships through foreign scholarship grants for their officers in the police academy.
The Embassy continues to work closely with relevant Lebanese institutions to further leverage Philippines’ interests in Lebanon, particularly in the promoting the welfare and protection of Filipino migrant workers. END.
