Ilongga journalist shares ordeal of Pinay trying to flee Afghanistan
By Tara Yap
As the Taliban has taken over the seat of the government in Afghanistan, three Filipinos are still in Kabul and waiting to be repatriated. A family member of one of the three Filipinos sought help from Ilonggo journalists.
“May we keep in our prayers the people in Afghanistan—Filipinos and non-Filipinos,” shared Florence Hibionada, a freelance journalist.
It was a cousin of the 35-year-old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who sought Hibionada’s help as members of their family panicked when the female OFW told them she was left behind at the Kabul airport by an American boss who was evacuated by US troops.
Hibionada explained to Manila Bulletin that the American boss pleaded for the 35-year-old OFW to also be evacuated, but they could not take her since she was not an American citizen.
While at the airport, the 35-year-old OFW met two other Filipinos. They were able to flee to a safe zone under the control of the United Nations (UN).
“They literally ran non-stop overnight for their lives until they reached the instructed safe zone,” Hibionada shared.
“My help was sought on what I think she and the others should do. And who to call because they don’t know who else to call,” Hibionada shared.
Hibionada was then able to call Roger Gencianeo, station manager of Bombo Radyo Iloilo. Gencianeo, in turn, was able to contact someone at the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan.
As of press time, the 35-year-old OFW and her two other Filipino companions are still waiting how they can get to Pakistan or anywhere else as flights have not resumed at the Kabul airport.