MANILA, Philippines – About 100 Filipinos in Beijing are now seeking repatriation, the Philippine ambassador to China said Saturday.
“Ang natitira na lang ngayon (Those remaining) I think is less than a hundred or a little more,” Ambassador Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana said during the Laging Handa online press briefing.
According to Sta. Romana, a repatriation flight is now being arranged.
The repatriation flight is being planned by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and may be done by November.
Sta. Romana said most of those seeking repatriation are seafarers on ships off Chinese ports.
“Nandun lang sila sa laot, they are off the ports of China kasi nag-iingat ang Tsina against imported cases at tsaka ang patakaran dito ay huwag pababain sa barko ‘yung mga naghihintay na seaman, he said.
(They are in the sea, off the ports of China because China is being careful against imported cases and their rule is not to let any seaman off the ship.)
Sta. Romana said those who want to be repatriated have been waiting for months or weeks.