MANILA – As civil unrest continues to escalate in Haiti, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that at least 63 Filipinos will be repatriated. The DMW’s officer-in-charge, Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, revealed on Sunday that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has given its approval for the recommendation to declare Alert Level 3, which signifies the initiation of voluntary repatriation.
Haiti finds itself engulfed in a state of lawlessness, with rampant looting and violence orchestrated by gang leaders in an effort to compel Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the DMW is actively seeking ways to facilitate the repatriation process, as no flights are currently departing from Haiti.
Furthermore, due to the ongoing violence, land travel to the capital city of Port-au-Prince is strongly discouraged. Undersecretary Cacdac acknowledged this challenge, stating, “Chartering a flight appears to be the most feasible option at this time.”
Thankfully, as of now, there have been no reports of any Filipinos being affected or injured amidst the prevailing security crisis, according to Cacdac. However, concerns for the safety and well-being of the 115 Filipinos currently residing in Haiti remain.
The repatriation efforts aim to ensure the swift return of Filipino citizens to the safety of their homeland. The DMW, in close coordination with the DFA, is dedicated to providing necessary assistance and support during this tumultuous time.
The escalating civil unrest in Haiti serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political situations worldwide and the potential risks faced by overseas Filipino workers. The Philippine government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, especially in times of crisis.
As developments unfold, the DMW and relevant authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the Filipinos in Haiti. The repatriation process, though challenging, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens abroad.
In these tumultuous times, the collective prayers and support of the Filipino people go out to their compatriots in Haiti, as they await their safe return to the Philippines.
