The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said more than 200 Filipino pilgrims have been stranded in Muzdalifah, Saudi Arabia during the observance of Hajj, or the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the DFA also said that 10 Filipino pilgrims “required further medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals”.
The Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia reported that thousands reportedly suffered heat stress on the Hajj pilgrimage.
“While ten Filipino pilgrims required further medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals, they were discharged shortly thereafter and returned to their tents in Mina without incident,” the Philippine Embassy said.
“The Embassy wishes to report that none of the Filipino pilgrims experienced severe medical issues,” it added.
According to the Philippine Embassy, the 200 Filipino pilgrims who were stranded in Muzdalifah were safely transported to Mina by 1:00
p.m. on Wednesday.
To make sure that upport is available for concerned Filipinos, the embassy said it has coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General
in Jeddah, the Office of the Hajj Attaché in Jeddah, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
Chargé ‘Affaires Rommel Romato visited the Filipino pilgrims in Mina to check their condition.
The embassy said Saudi officials also phoned Romato to express concern and support for the stranded pilgrims.
“Moving forward, the Philippine Embassy, alongside the Consulate General in Jeddah and the Office of the Hajj Attaché in Jeddah, will
remain vigilant in monitoring the safety and well-being of Filipino pilgrims until the completion of the Hajj,” the embassy said.
“The Philippine Government is committed to ensuring Filipino pilgrims receive the necessary support and assistance to complete their
pilgrimage safely and comfortably,” it added.
Hajj started on June 26 and will conclude on July 1.