Duterte’s main concern: Safety of Filipinos in Ukraine — Palace

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — The safety of Filipinos in Ukraine is the primary concern of President Rodrigo Duterte, acting presidential spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Thursday.

Ukraine imposed a national state of emergency in response to Russia’s threat of invasion.

“The safety of Filipinos in Ukraine remains foremost in the mind of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” said Nograles in a statement.

“The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is now conducting repatriation efforts of Filipinos living in Ukraine,” he added.

To date, six Filipinos have returned to the Philippines amid the crisis in Ukraine. Two more are expected to arrive.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said that the government is prepared, should the need for mass repatriation arise.

JPV