DFA exec: PHL new envoy to Syria well-versed on repatriation

By on 11:27 PM

Source: gmanews.tv

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Raul Hernandez on Tuesday said the Philippines will send to violence-plagued Syria a new envoy who has more experience in repatriation operations.

Hernandez said DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario ordered Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan to be replaced by charge d'affaires Ricardo Endaya.

In a report of radio dzBB, Hernandez said Endaya has the expertise in mapping out a smooth repatriation of Filipinos.

The Philippine government considers Syria under Alert Level 3, which entails voluntary repatriation.

Voluntary repatriation

On Friday last week, the DFA said some 395 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have expressed their desire to be repatriated from Syria to the Philippines.

The DFA indicated there were some 17,000 OFWs in Syria.

Hernandez said there was still no need to raise the crisis alert level there.

Under Alert Level 3, the government encourages voluntary repatriation. Alert Level 4 entails mandatory evacuation and repatriation.

"We are still convincing our people to come home and avail of voluntary repatriation being offered by the government," Hernandez said.

Hotlines for Pinoys in Syria

Earlier, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has also set up hotlines for Filipinos there amid the escalating violence there.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said families of Syria-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should not hesitate to call these numbers if they need more information about the situation there.

The numbers, posted on the DOLE website include:
OWWA 24/7 Assistance Center: 8336992, 5511560, and 09178986992

Welfare Office hotline in Damascus: +963-116-125138

Email: syria@owwa.gov.ph

Meanwhile, Baldoz reiterated the temporary ban on deployment of OFWs to Syria after the DFA raised the alert level there to 3.

“The temporary ban covers all workers planning to work in Syria for the first time, or new hires, and those returning workers to Syria, or re-hires," Baldoz said.