OFWs to be repatriated from Syria – DFA

MANILA, Philippines - The government will undertake more cross-border repatriation operations in conflict-torn Syria to bring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said at least 92 OFWs staying at the Philippine embassy in Damascus as of Sept. 1 have been issued exit visas.

“More cross-border repatriation operations will be undertaken in the coming days,” Hernandez said at a press briefing. “We hope to transfer them to Beirut this coming Thursday.”

At least 68 OFWs crossed the Syrian-Lebanon border on Aug. 30.

“We have been encouraging our citizens in Syria to get out of harm’s way and seek immediate repatriation since we raised alert level 4,” Hernandez said.

“We wish to assure the public that a contingency plan is in place to address any security concern,” he added.

The DFA said a total of 4,567 Filipinos have been repatriated since the government started its mandatory repatriation program.

The United States announced last week that it is ready to launch strikes following a suspected chemical attack near the Syrian capital of Damascus, which reportedly killed more than 300 people.

The DFA asked Filipinos to avoid places that could be the target of strikes, including defense establishments, military installations and telecommunications facilities.