An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Kabul, Afghanistan said it has been difficult to move from evacuation centers to the international airport to escape Afghanistan since Taliban fighters are scattered in “almost all roads” and blocking passage.
The OFW, who only wanted to be identified as “Rowel,” told DZMM Teleradyo that despite his evacuation compound being near the international airport, they had to wait for a chopper to move them from the area.
“Ang problema ngayon after ng pagpasok ng mga Taliban dito sa Kabul...halos lahat ng kalsada ay napuno ng mga Taliban, so mahirap pong makalabas (The problem now is after the Taliban entered Kabul...almost all roads in Kabul have been occupied by the Taliban),” Rowel said.
Rowel, who works at an American university in Afghanistan, said he has been staying at the evacuation compound of a private British security company since Aug. 14.
The OFW said there are about 18 to 20 Filipinos in the compound as well.
On Monday night, Rowel said Taliban fighters tried to attack and take over their compound but failed.
Aside from the difficulties in getting to the airport, Rowel said another reason why many remain stranded in the city is due to the cancellation of commercial flights.
Rowel, however, said chartered flights have been arranged for those who will flee the country.
The plane which will fly Rowel and several others to Qatar has reportedly landed at the international airport.
Rowel said based on the group chat of Filipinos in Afghanistan, there were around 30 who were able to flee Kabul.
The Taliban took over Kabul on Aug. 15 as President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, admitting that the insurgents have “won.”
Mandatory evacuation for 130 Filipinos in Afghanistan has also been ordered last Sunday.
Read more: Timeline of Taliban takeover