The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reminded remaining Filipinos in Afghanistan to prepare to leave at moment’s notice after two repatriation attempts failed on Wednesday night.
According to the DFA two attempts had been made to evacuate Filipinos via New Delhi, India and Islamabad, Pakistan, but these did not help due to cancellation of commercial flights.
Of the 90 Filipinos in the South-central Asian country, 79 have requested to return to the Philippines.
According to Philippine officials they continue to exhaust “all avenues” to ensure the safety of Filipinos and their evacuation.
“Filipinos still remaining in Afghanistan are further advised to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, and to be able to travel with minimal luggage,” it added.
The Philippines has raised its highest crisis alert level, Alert Level 4, on Afghanistan requiring officials to undertake the mandatory evacuation of all Filipinos in the area.
The alert Level 4 is issued “when there is large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack,” was raised “due to the worsening situation in the country.”
The attempts to evacuate Filipinos in Afghanistan come as more nations move to repatriate diplomats and citizens still stuck in the country.
The flights into and out of the country, however, have been limited and erratic.
Several Filipinos had been reportedly able to leave Afghanistan with the help of their foreign employers. “In all cases, the DFA will assist in their return to the Philippines,” it said.
