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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND keeps a close eye on repatriation of OFWs in conflict-torn Afghanistan

DND keeps a close eye on repatriation of OFWs in conflict-torn Afghanistan

Published Aug 16, 2021 02:37 pm

The Department of National Defense (DND) will defer to the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) plans to repatriate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the rapidly evolving armed conflict in Afghanistan with the resurgence of Taliban.

The Philippine Air Force will use five newly delivered S-70i Blackhawk utility helicopters in transporting COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas. The choppers arrived at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on June 7, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

However, the DND is closely monitoring the situation and the developments on the ground, said Director Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesperson, on Monday, Aug. 16.

"We would like to defer to the DFA's plans for now," Andolong told Manila Bulletin in a phone call.

"Kapag inutusan kami ni Presidente na magcraft ng plano, susunod kami although may existing plans na for evacuation and repatriation (If the President orders us to craft a plan, we will obey although we already have existing plans for evacuation and repatriation)," he added.

The DFA is leading the repatriation efforts for the safe return of around 130 Filipinos in Afghanistan through the use of commercial flights.

Tension rose over the weekend as Taliban reclaimed almost all major cities in Afghanistan, including its capital Kabul. This, after the United States withdrew its 5,000 military support force in the country 20 years after they defeated Taliban in 2001.

The Taliban is an Islamist movement and military organization that has been waging a war against the government of Afghanistan.

The DND has been a dependable force in terms of bringing home Filipinos who are caught in armed conflicts abroad.

In January 2020, the Philippine Navy sent two of its vessels, BRP Davao del Sur and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, in Middle East to evacuate OFWs and overseas Filipinos in Iraq and Libya following a heated conflict between US and Iran over the killing of a top Iranian general.

However, the current situation in Afghanistan will not be an easy task for the DND if they are ordered by Duterte to assist in the repatriation efforts.

One of the biggest challenges would be the very limited assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) following the grounding of its planes due to recent accidents.

Related Tags

Department of National Defense (DND) 8162021 taliban AFGHANISTAN
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