MANILA, Philippines — Over 80 percent of Filipinos in the Gaza Strip have already left the besieged area, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). 

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said 26 Filipinos are left in the area, including one nun. 

“[B]ut they seem determined to remain,” said de Vega. 

According to the foreign affairs official, the latest batch of 14 Filipino nationals who crossed the Rafah border into Egypt, along with five Palestinian spouses, will be leaving Cairo on Monday. 

READ: 40 Filipinos from Gaza Strip may arrive on Friday

“So they shall be arriving [on] Tuesday, [November 14 in] Manila. Included among the 14 are at least three children plus one newly-born infant,” said de Vega. 

READ: Gaza escape: Two Filipino doctors exit via Rafah border crossing, DFA confirms

He likewise explained that 13 Filipino nationals crossed the Rafay border on Sunday.

READ: 35 Filipinos, 1 Palestinian from Gaza Strip set to arrive in PH Friday

“[They are] on way [their] here to Cairo along with six Palestinian spouses. Their flight details to Manila are being arranged,” he explained.