More Filipinos want to leave Libya

By: Matikas Santos - 10 years ago

OFWs from Libya INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—More Filipinos in strife-torn Libya have signed up for voluntary repatriation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

“There are an additional 58 Filipinos who want to be repatriated,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose told reporters in a press conference.

“This brings the total who requested voluntary repatriation to 109,” he said.

DFA previously raised crisis alert level 3 in Libya after a former army general and troops loyal to him launched an attack in Benghazi city with the aim of wiping out armed militia groups.

At least 20 deaths have been reported and 67 wounded in Benghazi due to heavy fighting between the renegade general’s troops and the militias.

The political and security situation in the country has been unstable since the 2011 revolution that led to the removal and death of long-time dictator Moammar Gaddhafi.

Jose said that the first batch of 51 Filipinos who requested repatriation are still in the country.

According to December 2012 records of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, there are a little over 2,700 Filipinos in Libya.