24 Filipinos repatriated from Saudi Arabia through Singaporean gov't
At least 24 Filipinos were repatriated by the Singaporean government after deploying its military aircraft to Saudi Arabia as the Middle East conflict disrupted flights across the region.
Singaporean Ambassador to Manila Constance See said Friday, March 13, that Singapore sent its RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft to bring home its nationals.
Two dozen Filipinos and other nationals from Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam also managed to get into the flight due to the availability of seats.
“This is really ASEAN solidarity in action, neighbours helping neighbours in difficult moments. Our ASEAN neighbours have assisted Singaporeans in returning home in past crises,” See said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, coordinated with the Singaporean government and facilitated their departure. Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Jeddah facilitated the booking of overseas Filipino workers' (OFWs) flights to Manila and gave them financial assistance.
“The Philippine Consulate General expressed its appreciation to the Singapore Consulate General for its assistance in the repatriation,” the DFA said.
“The DFA likewise conveys its sincere appreciation to the Government of Singapore for this benevolent act, which exemplifies the ASEAN spirit of solidarity,” it added.