Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The Philippines is already preparing for the evacuation of Filipinos in Sudan, where a deadly power struggle continues between the army and paramilitary forces.
“We are just waiting to get better information as to whether or not it will be safe to bring our evacuees out of Khartoum perhaps into Cairo,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.
“Unfortunately, none of the airports are functioning. They are still under fire,” he added. “Also, we cannot ascertain a secure land route for them to leave.”
READ: Sudan’s warring factions announce ceasefire, but fighting continues
The government is trying to bring Filipinos in Sudan to the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt—which also has jurisdiction over the North African country.
The road distance between Sudan’s capital Khartoum to Cairo is more than 2,000 kilometers.
Marcos said the country is already preparing the assets that might be needed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier urged Filipinos in Sudan to stay indoors, specifically at the lower levels of their homes.
Latest data from the embassy in Cairo showed there are approximately 400 Filipinos in Sudan.
The DFA said at least 86 have sought repatriation.
READ: Filipino hurt in Sudan conflict but now recovered – DFA
