Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)— Six Filipinos evacuated from Ukraine returned home on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.
The group arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on board a Turkish Airlines flight, according to the DFA.
The Filipinos sought repatriation amid tensions in the former Soviet state — where fears of a possible Russian invasion continue to mount.
“We are urging all Filipinos in Ukraine to contact the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw and the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kyiv if they would like to request for repatriation assistance from Ukraine,” said Ambassador Leah Ruiz.
The United States earlier warned that an attack on Ukraine could begin soon, as it expressed concern over the amassing of Russian troops along their common border.
Washington said Russia’s forces continued to increase in the past few days, despite Moscow’s claim it was withdrawing some troops.
CNN Philippines’ Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
In a later interview, however, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Hans Cacdac said one of the evacuees did not board and only five people arrived – four adults and a child.
CNN Philippines is trying to clarify the matter with the DFA.
For now, the DFA assured the public it is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine’s borders. Officials are also in communication with the remaining Filipino community in the country.
Cacdac also urged Filipinos in Ukraine to return to the Philippines, assuring them of assistance once they come home. Some have expressed willingness to be repatriated, but majority remain undecided.
