Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 29) — The first batches of Filipinos evacuated from conflict-torn Sudan arrived in the Philippines on Saturday.
As I welcome the 1st batch of repatriates from Sudan, I’m inspired by their fortitude & resilience. I’m grateful to our DFA teams, PH agencies & intl partners who work nonstop to ensure the safety of our kababayans. Protecting overseas Filipinos is our government’s solemn pledge pic.twitter.com/ZH3SotPYI1
— Enrique A. Manalo 🇵🇭 (@SecManalo) April 29, 2023
Some 17 Filipino evacuees – who flew out from Greece and Saudi Arabia – landed in Manila in two batches, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Eight of them, who arrived in the afternoon, were hotel workers in Sudan who boarded a military evacuation flight and were assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Athens.
The nine others, who arrived past 9 p.m., fled Khartoum via Port Sudan where they boarded a plane bound for Jeddah.
“Masaya na po kasi syempre safe na po ‘yung baby namin kasi kasama namin siya du’n [I’m happy because we are now safe with our baby],” Kimberly Digap said upon arriving.
“Masaya, unang-una dahil po sa malayo na kami sa kapahamakan at wala nang maririnig na putukan o pagsabog ng bomba [I’m happy because we’re now far from harm and we no longer hear gunfire or explosions],” Ronald Andal added.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, who welcomed the repatriates, said the government is working double time to assist Filipinos fleeing the North African nation.
“Our DFA offices and diplomatic missions concerned are determined to bring our people home safely, as soon as possible,” Manalo said.
LOOK: Another batch of Filipinos repatriated from Sudan arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Department of Foreign Affairs said a total of 17 evacuees landed in Manila today.
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— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 29, 2023
Migrant Workers Secretary Toots Ople, who was supposed to conduct a virtual media briefing Saturday night, told reporters she was still on transit to the Egypt-Sudan border along with Undersecretary Hans Cacdac. They were serving as an advance team from Aswan.
Latest data from the DFA showed around 610 Filipinos have been evacuated from Khartoum – with 391 already crossing the Egyptian border.
Ople said the road trip is expected to take 15 hours, with at least two rest stops.
Concerned embassies are currently working on their visas and repatriation flights, the DFA added.
CNN Philippines correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
