An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Thursday about receiving calls from Filipinos in Sudan who are requesting rescue and repatriation from the African nation amid the ongoing clashes between its two forces.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said the Philippine Embassy in Egypt, which has jurisdiction over Sudan, and the Philippine Honorary Consul in Khartoum are now looking for ways to rescue those who want to flee from the firefight between Sudanese troops and paramilitary forces.

Airports remain closed after the violence erupted and Filipinos in Sudan need to travel for nine hours going to Egypt should they be repatriated, De Vega said.

Currently, both agencies are also attempting to deliver provisions to Filipinos there as they were advised to stay indoors, he added.

De Vega said Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago already received at least 87 requests for evacuation and repatriation. There are about 400 Filipinos in Sudan, he added.

"Naka-receive na siya [Tago] ng at least 87 requests na tulungan silang makaalis. Yung iba gusto narin umuwi (She already received 87 requests for help. Some Filipinos there also already wanted to go home)," De Vega said in an interview with GMA Integrated News.

At least 270 people died and 2,600 were injured following the clashes that erupted from the power struggle between Sudan's military ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and paramilitary leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Filipinos may reach out to the embassy to seek assistance through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PHinEgypt/ or WhatsApp at (+20) 122 7436 472.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

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