Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24)— Four more Filipinos are expected to arrive home from crisis-hit Ukraine on Friday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a media briefing on Thursday, DFA Undersecretary Sarah Arriola said the group which voluntarily sought repatriation should fly out by Thursday night “if circumstances allow.”
“We expect them to arrive tomorrow here in Manila and we will be at the airport to welcome them home,” Arriola added.
The first batch of repatriates from Ukraine — which faced military attacks from Russia — returned to the Philippines last week.
Evacuation remains voluntary as the DFA has yet to raise the alert level over the former Soviet nation. But the agency vowed assistance for nationals who would opt to go home or move to safer grounds.
“We will use all means,” Arriola said. “If flying is still possible, we will fly them out of Ukraine and back to the Philippines. If not, then we will use land, anything else is possible.”
The DFA official, however, admitted that some Filipinos based in Ukraine have to weigh in several factors before deciding to come home.
“Hindi madali para sa kanilang umuwi dahil sila po ang inaasahan ng kanilang mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas,” she noted.
[Translation: It’s not easy for them to just go home because their families count on their support.]
Arriola said the government has accounted for at least 181 Filipino nationals in Ukraine — with majority currently in the capital, Kyiv.
EU countries to take in Filipinos?
DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin said separately that Poland has agreed to take in Filipinos even if they do not have visas.
“Poland finally agreed to let ours in sans EU visas; not heard anything from Russia on our request re: its closest border,” Locsin wrote on Twitter. “Most Filipinos in Ukraine are grateful guests and want to stick it out with their warm welcoming neighbors.”
The DFA also said other European posts are on standby to help Filipinos if needed.
“For now, we urge our kababayans in Ukraine not to panic but exercise caution and mind their movement, to keep their vigilance, and to maintain communication with the Philippine Embassy Team,” Arriola said.
Explosions in multiple Ukrainian cities were reported after Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.” World leaders — including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres — urged Moscow to stop the conflict.
Warsaw PE's been on high alert; repatriated a few; Poland finally agreed to let ours in sans EU visas; not heard anything from Russia on our request re: its closest border. Most Filipinos in Ukraine are grateful guests and want to stick it out with their warm welcoming neighbors. https://t.co/Jl25lUvBnQ
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) February 24, 2022
