More Pinoys set to arrive home from Syria, Libya

Filipino repatriates continue to trickle in from the strife-torn countries of Libya and Syria, with 79 more expected to arrive this week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a statement, the DFA said 16 Filipinos from Syria who availed of the Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) will arrive at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 05, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) via Gulf Air flight number GF-154.

“The 16 Filipino repatriates traveled by land from Damascus to Beirut today (Monday), and will be assisted by Philippine Embassy in Beirut personnel during their transit at the Lebanese Masna’a border,” the DFA said.

The repatriates will undergo a departure briefing and medical check-up prior to their travel to Manila, the DFA added.

This latest arrival will bring the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Syria to 5,642.

Meanwhile, 63 Filipinos with dependents were safely evacuated by the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli from Libya and brought to Tunis on Sunday, May 3.

The 63 Filipinos will be leaving for Manila in two batches — 35 will arrive at NAIA on May 05 at 4 p.m. via EK332, while 23 Filipinos will arrive at 4:00 p.m. on board QR932 on the same day.

“Five other OFWs are also expected to return to Manila within the week,” the DFA said.

These arrivals bring the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Libya to 4,830.
 
The Philippine Embassies in Tripoli and Damascus continue to actively reach out to the Filipino communities in Libya and Syria, advising them to avail of the Mandatory Repatriation offer, while also coordinating with relevant authorities to facilitate the speedy issuance of exit visas and the safe transit of Filipinos throughout the conduct of repatriation operations. —KBK, GMA News