PNoy: Many Pinoys in Egypt resisting repatriation

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said many Filipinos in Egypt had refused to be repatriated despite the apparent security threat in the troubled African state.

"Marami ang nagre-resist [dahil] ayaw raw nila mawala ‘yung trabaho nila, especially for those who are working. But the situation is really serious," he told reporters after visiting families affected by the recent heavy monsoon rains at the Mandaluyong Elementary School.

The President said there are 5,000 to 6,000 Filipinos in Egypt, most of them students and domestic helpers.

Last Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Crisis Alert Level 4, which calls for mandatory repatriation shouldered by the Philippine government, over Egypt after assessing the security alert there.

Tension escalated in Egypt after authorities there implemented a crackdown on deposed President Mohamed Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood by arresting the Islamist organization's top leader. Hundreds have already been killed in the violence.

Aquino said the government has already sent $240,000 to the Cairo Embassy for the repatriation of Filipinos there.

"I’m sure the embassy in Egypt has been preparing for this, and has been actively trying to encourage our countrymen to ensure their safety to leave Egypt at this time," he said.

According to the DFA, five Filipinos from Egypt are expected to be repatriated Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Aquino said the government is ready to assist returning overseas Filipino workers.

"[Labor] Secretary [Rosalinda] Baldoz, I’m sure, will be preparing to assist them together with TESDA and other government entities to impart the necessary skills for reintegration.  I’m sure naghahanda na ‘yung mga kaukulang departamento," he said. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News

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