11 Pinoys return home from Syria

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven Filipinos, including three minors, who escaped heavy fighting between the Syrian government and rebel forces in Daraa will arrive in Manila today.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the repatriates will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 4 p.m. on board Emirates flight EK 332.

Their airfare was shouldered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Citing a report from the Philippine embassy in Damascus, the DFA said the minors and their mother escaped heavy fighting between Syrian government and rebel forces.

 At least 49 Filipinos arrived in Manila last Nov. 9 in line with the government’s efforts to repatriate Filipinos caught in violence in Syria, bringing the total number of repatriates to 2,930.

At present, 192 Filipinos are taking refuge at the Philippine embassy in Damascus while their repatriation was being processed.

The DFA has renewed its call on the relatives of Filipinos in Syria to provide latest information regarding their next-of-kin’s current location and contact details in Syria.

Information may be relayed at the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs at (02) 834-4996 or the DFA Action Center at (02) 834-3333.

Filipinos in Syria may also contact the embassy for assistance at 963-11-6132626.