Philippines prepares for impact of Egypt riots on OFWs

By Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government expressed concern over the events unfolding in Egypt, particularly for the safety of the more than 6,500 Filipinos living there.

“We hope for a peaceful and just resolution to the political unrest currently taking place and a swift return to stability,” a palace statement said Saturday.

The government said it is monitoring the situation and assured that the Philippine Embassy in Cairo has contingencies in place and is ready to relocate Filipinos to safer areas if necessary.

“As always, the safety of our citizens is the paramount concern and we are doing what we can to anticipate and attend to their needs,” the statement added.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a message on Twitter that President Benigno Aquino III has already instructed the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), and the departments of national defense, foreign affairs, and labor and employment to meet and recommend further measures on the situation in Egypt.

The embassy has already prepared 4 relocation sites—3 in Cairo and 1 in Alexandria.

Earlier, Philippine Charge d’Affaires Eduardo Pablo Maglaya said the embassy activated a crisis management center to respond to the changing developments in Egypt.

According to Maglaya, the embassy also issued an advisory to Filipinos, urging them to stay indoors and avoid going to public places, particularly in areas where protests actions are being held.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said there are 6,569 Filipinos mostly based in Cairo and Alexandria.

So far, no Filipinos or foreign nationals were reported hurt in the demonstrations, the embassy said.

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