Manila: Philippine Embassy officials in Cairo are under instructions to make immediate arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos in light of the situation in Egypt.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) however, said that while Filipinos in Egypt at this point does not see the need for them to be compelled to be repatriated to the Philippines at this time, but they expressed readiness to be moved to safer areas in Egypt if needed.
According to the DFA, there are 6,569 Filipinos in Egypt, concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria. The Filipinos are located far from Tahrir Square, where the protest actions are concentrated
"The Embassy was also able to reach members of the Filipino community, who mostly said that they are likewise safe and did not express any need to be repatriated out of Egypt" the DFA said.b
Meanwhile, as part of Philippine government preparations for the safety of Filipinos in Egypt, the DFA also said that it has made arrangements with third countries to allow the transit of Philippine nationals through their borders.
Reports said that the DFA are talking with Jordan and Israel for the passage of Filipinos in the event the situation in Egypt deteriorates.
The DFA, quoting a report from the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, said there has so far been no reports of attacks involving foreigners.
"In particular, there is no imminent danger to the lives of Filipinos there," it said.
Massive protest actions have been taking place in the North African country over the past several days as demonstrators call on President Hosni Mubarak to step down.
While the Philippine government has steered clear of making a definitive stand of the internal political issue, its concern focuses on the safety of its nationals in Egypt.
Earlier, the Philippine Manila called on all parties in Egypt to maintain calm and exercise restraint. It has likewise expressed the hope that the level of violence will not escalate, and for an early resolution of this crisis.
The DFA office in Manila also advised the Filipino community in Egypt to stay indoors, "steer clear of public places-especially sites of mass protest-and avoid involvement in political actions."
The DFA said Filipinos who have relatives in Egypt have been increasingly worried over the safety of their kin. It said that as of Tuesday it had received 55 calls at the hotline number.
