DFA chief orders repatriation of Pinoys in three Syrian areas

After visiting the strife-torn country, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario ordered that the voluntary repatriation efforts in Syria be focused on three areas: Daraa, Latakia, and Homs.

A news article posted on the DFA website said Alberto "ordered the Philippine Embassy in Damascus to further check on and ask some 110 Filipinos in Daraa, 2,400 Filipinos in Latakia, and 1,600 Filipinos in Homs if they wish to be repatriated."

On Friday, when Del Rosario visited Syria, protests in certain areas in Syria ended in violence, particularly in Daraa, Latakia and Homs.

However, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Muallem told Del Rosario that the Syrian government will do its best to restore political security and stability in the country.

On the other hand, Del Rosario thanked the Syrian government for assuring the safety of some 17,000 Filipinos there.

Muallem also told Del Rosario that the current political realities in Syria is "different from the one being painted by Western media."

Both foreign ministers likewise discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Syria.

The DFA said del Rosario left for Syria early on Friday morning with Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.

Upon his arrival, del Rosario was met by Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan and officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.

The secretary also checked the condition of the 43 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Embassy's shelter who are due for repatriation.

He likewise met with the leaders of the Filipino community in Syria. - VVP, GMA News

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