Phil steps up repatriation efforts, 34 Filipinos arrive from Syria

The Philippine Embassy in Damascus, led by Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Olivia Palala, repatriated 34 female overseas Filipino workers from Syria yesterday in line with the Philippine Government's mandatory repatriation program.

A total of 22 Filipinos were also brought home on July 16 and 17.

As of July 24, a total of 1,853 Filipinos have been repatriated since the conflict in Syria started in March 2011.

In an effort to intensify its current repatriation operations, the Embassy further expanded its information campaign through text messages, information flyers, and media advertisements to complement its existing links with Filipino community leaders and groups.

It likewise urged Filipinos in Syria to call the Embassy at (963-11)-6132626 so that the latter's personnel could reach them.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario sent Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis to Syria to negotiate for the easing of exit visa requirements for OFWs caught in the violence.

A six-man Government Rapid Response Team also departed for Syria over the weekend to augment the Embassy's operations. The RRT is composed of officials and personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DFA is also renewing its call on the next-of-kin of Filipinos in Syria to provide the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs with up-to-date information regarding their loved ones' present location and contact details in Syria by calling its 24-hour hotline: (02) 834-4996 or (02) 834-3333 or by e-mailing oumwa@dfa.gov.ph. - Official Gazette — ARA