Phl embassy repatriates 70 OFWs from Syria – DFA

Wednesday 6th of June 2012

SYRIA, June 6 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reported that the Philippine Embassy in Damascus has repatriated 70 overseas Filipino workers from Syria.

From May 24 to June 4, a steady stream of female repatriates has been arriving in Manila on board various flights, according to a press release posted in the DFA website.

Another batch of 14 OFWs have also arrived on June 5, on board Emirates flight EK 334 and nine more are due to arrive in Manila on Thursday, June 7, via Emirates flight EK 332, DFA said.

DFA reported that as of June 5, the Embassy has successfully brought home a total 1,619 OFWs and has kept up its repatriation efforts, with operations continuing seven days a week, in light of the worsening violence in Syria.

The Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA's) Manila-based personnel together with representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, in turn, will meet and assist the repatriates upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Crisis alert level 4 has been in place over Syria since December 2011.

Relatives of OFWs in Syria may provide the DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) with up-to-date information regarding their next-of-kin's whereabouts and contact details by calling (02) 834-3245 or (02) 834-3240. (DFA)