The Philippines’ Special Envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu insisted that there is a need for Filipinos to move out from conflict areas in Iraq.
“It is still unpredictable. The problem is also the time of the attack, we don’t have to wait for this to happen. We have to start now repatriation,” Cimatu said.
The envoy added that it is important to leave the danger areas.
“We have to move out. We will never go wrong if we move out now. We communicate with the families of the undocumented OFWs. They can take advantage of this repatriation for their safety,” he added.
Cimatu also said there is a need to make an evacuation plan.
“When I arrive there, I will conduct a meeting immediately. The authorized number of days to stay at the transit point is 3 days,” he added.
Cimatu said that there will be Filipinos wanting to leave Baghdad they will be booked to a neighboring where government officials will welcome them.
“If there are 25 people already ready to move from Baghdad, ibu-book na namin sila agad. Pagdating nila, sasalubungin sila ng ating response team. Tapos ibu-book naman nila ang flight from to Manila,” he added.
Cimatu added the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can issue travel documents in cases where Filipinos do not have their passports with them.
