DFA concerned over safety of OFWs in Syria

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed concern over the safety of remaining overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in war-torn Syria as the United States announced it is ready to launch strikes following alleged chemical weapons attack near the Syrian capital, which reportedly killed more than 300 people.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario sent DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis to Damascus on Tuesday to assist in the repatriation of OFWs there, according to DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez.

Hernandez said Seguis would seek assurances from the Syrian government for their continued assistance in facilitating the repatriation of OFWs.

“With the worsening security situation in Syria, our priority is the safety of our people,” he added.

Around 3,000 OFWs are still in Syria, Hernandez said.

“We urge our citizens in Syria to contact our embassy and seek assistance for their immediate repatriation to the Philippines,” he said.

Forty-three Filipinos crossed the Syrian-Lebanese border on Aug. 26 assisted by personnel from the Philippine embassy in Damascus.

They were met by representatives of the Philippine embassy in Beirut at the Masna’a border.

They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, bringing the total number of repatriates to 4,553.

The DFA said that 131 OFWs are still awaiting repatriation.