A Filipino backpacker is now stranded in Peru after protests over the ousting of Peruvian former president erupted early this week.
Ma. Teresita Daza, spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said Friday that the 24-year-old Filipino national got stranded in the historic site of Machu Picchu due to the recent closure of Cusco International Airport.
Citing report from the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, Chile, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos in Peru, Daza said the backpacker arrived in Peru on December 9.
“He sounded well and in good condition. He said he plans to continue with his travel in the region as soon as flights to Lima resume,” Daza said after the Philippine embassy contacted the Filipino national through a phone call.
“It will also continue to check on his safety and condition,” she added.
Daza said Peruvian authorities are now prioritizing the opening of regional airports by December 18.
In the second week of December, supporters of former President Pedro Castillo held protests, including blocking the roads and storming the airport, after his impeachment.
It came when he tried to dissolve the opposition-controlled Congress, which was working on his impeachment.
Currently, there are around 160 Filipinos working and residing in Peru, according to the DFA.