MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working to repatriate dozens of Filipinos stuck in Haiti as gang violence escalates in its capital, Port-au-Prince.
In a text message on Friday, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said at least 63 out of the 169 Filipinos have signified interest to return to the Philippines, days after Manila raised crisis alert level 3 or voluntary repatriation in the country.
“(There are) no flights yet but 63 of over 160 have indicated their wish to go home. It is not the best situation, but they are safe as they are keeping indoors,” he said.
The government is still looking for ways to repatriate the nationals, given that commercial flights are unavailable and roadblocks were placed across the country.
In a separate message, DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC is closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
“There have been no reports of Filipinos directly affected by the conflict,” she said.
“Filipinos in Haiti are highly encouraged to contact the Embassy-designated Filipino community area coordinators and/or the Migrant Workers Office of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., for repatriation. They are likewise advised to remain vigilant, restrict non-essential movement, and avoid public places,” she added.
Most of the Filipinos living and working in Haiti are in the food retail and electronics sector. (PNA)
