The Philippine government on Saturday brought home another batch of overseas Filipinos numbering to at least 2,400 who asked to be repatriated amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority, the latest batch came from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhab, Qatar, Turkey, Japan, and Korea.
The repatriates arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in nine batches via special flights participated by the Philippine Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Asiana Airlines.
Since March, the Philippine government led by the Department of Foreign Affairs has repatriated its nationals, most of whom were left jobless abroad due to the global health emergency.
Last Friday, the DFA also repatriated 234 Filipinos from the UAE and Bahrain.
“We at DFA are humbled by this experience. It’s a different feeling altogether. We are grateful that we are given the opportunity to help bring home our kababayans especially at this time when everyone is looking forward to the new year and a new beginning,” stated Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola who shared the repatriation flight.
More than 2,000 Filipinos were also flown home Saturday last week. Those came from Saudi Arabia, Korea, Turkey, Dammam, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Japan.
The government continues to forge ahead with its repatriations efforts and stands ready to assist Filipino nationals affected by the coronavirus disease pandemic.