Preparations for possible repatriation in place
MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque today said the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other agencies are prepared to assist overseas Filipinos in Israel and Myanmar should the need arise.
Speaking at the regular Malacañang press briefing from People’s Television 4 in Quezon City, Secretary Roque said the Department of Foreign Affairs have been used to repatriating distressed Filipinos in countries where peace and order have been a problem.
“From issuing warnings to Filipino nationals in troubled places, preparations are made should there be a need to bring home our compatriots. The DFA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have been used to respond to crisis situations worldwide,” Secretary Roque added.
As of June 30,2020, there were 29,473 Filipinos in Israel while there were 1,273 Filipinos in Myanmar where the military junta has taken over the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi last February 1,2021.(Melo M. Acuna)
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. (Screen grab from Malacanang Press briefing, May 13,2021/Melo M. Acuna)