Migrants group asks Palace to evacuate Pinoys from Egypt

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Malacanang: Filipinos still safe
MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - A migrants’ rights group has appealed to Malacanang to evacuate Filipinos from Egypt due to the escalating violence there.

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator Leonard Monterona said “the political situation in Egypt has already escalated amid the continued massive protests by the Egyptian people and there is no indication that it would be resolved calmly though we prayed for its peaceful resolution.”

Fresh riots continued in Egypt as tens of thousands flooded central Cairo demanding President Hosni Mubarak to step down from office due to corruption, police brutality and flailing economy.

As of Saturday, the death toll has reached 100.

'No need to evacuate yet'

The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that no Filipino was hurt.

In an interview with radio dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said: “We have been in contact with the embassy there. Our kababayans are still safe. There is no need yet to evacuate.”

She said the Filipinos have been heeding the instructions of the DFA to stay indoors and steer clear of public places especially in sites of mass protests.

In its latest press release, the DFA said it is also closely coordinating with other government agencies to monitor the situation in Egypt.

The DFA mobilized on Saturday a Crisis Management Team in Manila.

Upon the instructions of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Special Assistant Enrico Fos of the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs will leave for Egypt on Monday to assist the Embassy in the implementation of contingency measures for the Filipino community.

Special Envoy Roy Cimatu will likewise proceed to Egypt after the conclusion of his mission in another country in the region.

Undocumented workers

Monterona said: “As the political turmoil in Egypt escalates and we could not see any indication of peaceful resolution, the Aquino government must now seriously consider the immediate evacuation of OFWs, even undocumented, and our Filipino diplomats out of Egypt.”

DFA said there are 6,569 Filipinos in Egypt, but Monterona said this is too conservative and may not include the undocumented and over-staying Filipinos.

“Based on the account made by our fellow OFWs and affiliate in Egypt, there are about 20,000 Filipinos in Egypt, a considerable number works as domestic workers and care givers,” Monterona added.

There are already Arab nations that have organized flights to take their nationals out of Egypt.

Monterona noted it would be easier for Filipinos near Cairo to leave the place since the airport and the mbassy is there.

“But what worries us are those living in Alexandria and Suez as it would take them to travel first to proceed to Cairo for evacuation,” he added.

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