Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 16) — The mandatory repatriation of Filipinos working in Afghanistan is underway after Taliban fighters seized control of its capital city, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
The DFA said 32 Filipinos were evacuated and awaiting their confirmed flights from Doha to the Philippines. Another group of 19 Filipinos are also set to leave immediately. The DFA estimated that around 130 Filipinos are residing in the south-central Asian nation.
The agency issued the highest alert on Sunday due to the “worsening security situation” there.
Under Alert Level 4, the Philippine government undertakes the mandatory evacuation and repatriation of all Filipinos in the area.
The Taliban edged closer to solidifying control of Afghanistan on Sunday, including entering the presidential palace in Kabul hours after former President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
The rapidly evolving situation has prompted confusion and concern as the United States and governments worldwide monitor the bitter end to nearly two decades of war.
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