Over 200 Filipino pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia —PH Embassy By GMA Integrated News

More than 200 Filipino pilgrims were stranded in Muzdalifah, Saudi Arabia during the observance of Hajj, or the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Thursday. The Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia also said that 10 Filipino pilgrims “required further medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals”. This comes as thousands reportedly suffered heat stress on the Hajj pilgrimage. “While ten Filipino pilgrims required further medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals, they were discharged shortly thereafter and returned to their tents in Mina without incident,” said the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia. “The Embassy wishes to report that none of the Filipino pilgrims experienced severe medical issues,” it added. The 200 Filipino pilgrims who were stranded in Muzdalifah were safely transported to Mina by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the embassy. To ensure support is available for concerned Filipinos, the embassy said it has coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, the Office of the Hajj Attaché in Jeddah, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. Chargé 'Affaires Rommel Romato visited the Filipino pilgrims in Mina to check their condition, the embassy said. Saudi officials also phoned Romato to express concern and support for the stranded pilgrims, it added. “Moving forward, the Philippine Embassy, alongside the Consulate General in Jeddah and the Office of the Hajj Attaché in Jeddah, will remain vigilant in monitoring the safety and well-being of Filipino pilgrims until the completion of the Hajj,” the embassy said. “The Philippine Government is committed to ensuring Filipino pilgrims receive the necessary support and assistance to complete their pilgrimage safely and comfortably,” it added. Hajj started on June 26 and will conclude on July 1. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News

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