Malacañang on Thursday said the government had started repatriation efforts for Filipinos in Ukraine, which is being attacked and invaded by Russia.
“The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is now conducting repatriation efforts of Filipinos living in Ukraine,” acting Palace spokesman Karlo Nograles said in a statement.
Earlier on Thursday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said multiple government agencies had prepared repatriation strategies for the 380 Filipinos in Ukraine.
OWWA administrator Hans Cacdac said six Filipinos had returned to the Philippines since tensions between Russia and Ukraine arose.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced launching a major offensive against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared martial law and urged Ukrainians to stay calm.
“Today each of you should keep calm. Stay at home if you can. We are working. The army is working. The whole sector of defense and security is working,” Zelensky said.
“No panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine,” he added. John Ezekiel J. Hirro