Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 15)— The government is closely coordinating with its foreign service posts for the possible repatriation and relocation of Filipinos in Ukraine.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said officials are working on arrangements to evacuate Ukraine-based Filipinos who may wish to go home amid the threat of a Russian invasion.
The agency also said it has been in talks with the Filipino community regarding nationals who would seek to relocate to “more secure areas.”
“The situation at Ukraine’s border remains fluid, and security conditions could change at any moment,” the DFA said. “The DFA is also working with the European Union in ensuring safe passage of Filipinos across EU borders.”
The DFA likewise urged Filipinos to keep communication lines open and wait for further bulletins from embassies.
At least eight Filipinos have expressed intention to go back home to the Philippines, but many said they would rather stay for fear of losing their jobs.
The United States had warned that an attack on the former Soviet state could begin soon, adding that Russia could possibly act militarily.
The Russian Defense Ministry said some of its troops would return to their bases following recent drills around Ukraine, but noted that other major exercises will push through.
CNN Philippines correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
In a separate tweet, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw will send “most of its staff” to Ukraine to urge Filipinos to seek safety.
“I am reaching out to all countries West and East with common borders with Ukraine to take in Filipinos fleeing the likelihood if not event of armed clash,” he added.
