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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Kabul airport cancels commercial flights; foils PH attempt to evacuate remaining Filipinos

Kabul airport cancels commercial flights; foils PH attempt to evacuate remaining Filipinos

Published Aug 19, 2021 04:25 pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has disclosed that the Philippines attempted to make two evacuation flights for the remaining Filipinos in Afghanistan Wednesday night but were unsuccessful due to the cancellation of all commercial flights in Kabul.

In a status update on Thursday, the DFA said the department continues to work to repatriate remaining Filipinos in Afghanistan, exhausting all avenues to ensure their safety and eventual evacuation.

“Last night, two attempts were made to evacuate Filipinos via New Delhi and Islamabad. However, these were unsuccessful due to the cancellation of all commercial flights,” the DFA said.

The foreign affairs office said that access to and even within the airport is “very difficult”, noting that even if evacuees would be able to check-in, “this is still no assurance that a flight would be able to leave”.

It also confirmed reports that some Filipinos in Afghanistan were able to leave with the help of their foreign employers.

“Yesterday there was a confirmed seven Filipinos who evacuated to Qatar, and another five to the UK (United Kingdom). There are reports of other Filipinos who have left Kabul which our embassies are verifying. In all cases, the DFA will assist in their return to the Philippines,” the Department added.

Further on its update, the foreign affairs office advised Filipinos still remaining in Afghanistan to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice and to be able to travel with minimal luggage

Related Tags

evacuation centers DFA Hamad Kharzai International Airport OFWs KABUL EMBASSY AFGHANISTAN
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