DFA to arrange chartered flight from Italy for distressed Filipinos

The Philippine government is arranging a chartered Philippine Airlines flight from Italy to Manila for distressed Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The estimated cost for this repatriation flight is US$450,000, which will be covered by the Department of Foreign Affairs' Assistance to Nationals fund.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay confirmed the flight will bring stranded or distressed overseas Filipinos home.

The Philippine Embassy in Rome and the Consulate in Milan are currently assessing the number of Filipinos interested in returning.

Previously, many repatriated individuals from Italy were seafarers from cruise ships affected by COVID-19.

Since February, the DFA has facilitated the repatriation of approximately 18,000 overseas Filipinos globally, including both seafarers and land-based workers.