DFA: 3 more Pinoys left Afghanistan; 11 chose to stay for work reasons

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said three Filipinos were evacuated from Afghanistan over the weekend while 20 of their compatriots are still in the conflict-stricken country. With the development, the number of repatriated Filipinos from Afghanistan has increased to 191, the DFA said in its situation bulletin posted on Twitter. Of the 20 remaining Filipinos in Afghanistan, the Foreign Affairs Department said 18 have opted to stay there while two are open for repatriation. Nevertheless, the DFA said its embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, which covers Afghanistan, will continue to monitor the situation and prepare assistance to Filipinos there. Weeks after the militant group Taliban took over Afghanistan, the Philippines took in refugees of the nation. "We stay steady where others waver: tonight we welcome Afghan nationals including women and kids seeking refuge," Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said but refused to give further details. — Consuelo Marquez/RSJ, GMA News

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