53 FILIPINOS DUE HOME FROM SYRIA, PHL EMBASSY IN DAMASCUS INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ENHANCED

22 August 2013 The Philippine Embassies in Damascus and Beirut are set to repatriate a group of 53 Filipinos from Syria.

The repatriates, who were declared physically fit to travel, were brought to the Syrian-Lebanese border by the personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus.

From the border, the group was assisted and sent off at the airport by representatives of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.

The repatriates airfare was shouldered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Barring flight disruptions due to inclement weather, the group will arrive in Manila at 11:05 p.m. today, August 22 aboard Qatar Airways flight QR 644.

Upon the groups arrival, the total number of repatriates will reach 4,510.

The Embassy in Damascus has also further intensified its information campaign to be able to reach as many Filipinos in Syria as possible.

Advertisements regarding the Mandatory Repatriation Program were again placed in various Syrian newspapers and social media sites and the Embassy in Damascus is likewise exploring the possibility of advertising in Syrian television channels.

The DFA continues to appeal all Filipinos who are still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation as the violence in the country shows no sign of abating.

For assistance they may call the Embassy at 963-11-6132626, +963-96-8955057, +963-93-4957926, +963-99-2264145, +963-96-8953340, or +963-95-8903893.

The families of Filipinos in Syria may also provide the DFA with up-to-date information regarding their next-of-kins present location and contact details in Syria. Those who wish to do so may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFAs 24-hour Action Center at (02) 834-3333.