PH Government Orders Mandatory Evacuation For OFWs in Iraq
MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR OFWs – As the tension between the US and Iran escalate to extreme levels, the Philippine Government has ordered all Filipinos living in Iraq to return home.
Recently, Iran attacked two army bases in Iraq that housed US troops. In addition, they stated that if the US retaliated, they would attack Dubai and Israel.
Following this development, the Philippine government has raised alert level 4 in Iraq. This meant that a mandatory repatriation is ordered.
The alert level is raised when there is a large-scale international conflict or a full-blown external attack within the area.
Based on an article from CNN, the Malacañang said Filipino in Iraq will not be forced to ho home. However, they could decide to be evacuated to a safer place instead.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, one of their options is to send the OFWs to Saudi Arabia. There, frigates are waiting for their arrival.
In an interview, he stated that Repatriation is out of the question when there is a shooting war. “Hindi naman sila kailangang umuwi habang nagkakaroon ng giyera doon o digmaan. Hindi mo naman maiuuwi iyun talaga”, Panelo added.
The government also stated that it is prepared to deploy a mass repatriation for the over 4,000 Filipinos residing in the Middle East.
In addition to this, the Philippine Military is also considering to use C-130 planes and tapping the services of cruise ships.
Also, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that its BRP Gabriela Silang would be sailing to Oman or Dubai to execute repatriation missions.
Filipinos in Iraq may contact the embassy at 0781 606 6822 and 0751 616 7838. They may also contact the embassy via email with [email protected], [email protected] or through Facebook at Philippine Embassy in Iraq.
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