6 Filipinos return from Ukraine amid crisis

MANILA, Philippines — Six Filipinos from Ukraine have returned to the Philippines, the first batch of repatriates since the situation in the Eastern European country triggered fears of an imminent Russian invasion there.

The six Filipinos, who sought for repatriation, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

“The Philippine government, through the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, provided funding assistance to the six Filipinos who voluntarily requested to be repatriated to the country,” it added.

Four of the six Filipino repatriates boarded international flights from Kyiv while two took their flights from Lviv.

The DFA said it continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine’s borders while the Philippine Embassy in Poland remains in touch with the Filipino community in Ukraine.

“The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, which is in active coordination with its Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kyiv, is also cooperating closely with the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul to facilitate this repatriation,” the DFA said.

“This is to ensure that government assistance is available to the group at all transit points,” it added.

Philippine Ambassador Leah Ruiz urged Filipinos in Ukraine to contact the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw and the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kyiv so they can be assisted if they wish to be repatriated.

Filipinos in Ukraine who need repatriation assistance are advised to reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Poland through the following contact details:

• Email: ([email protected]),
• Emergency Mobile Number +48 604 357 396
• Office Mobile Number +48 694 491 663

Filipino repatriates from Ukraine arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. DFA photo by Hya Bernardo

JPV