PH gov orders mandatory repatriation of Filipinos from Afghanistan

The Philippine government has ordered the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in Afghanistan due to the escalating security situation following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raising Alert Level 4.

Thirty-five Filipinos, assisted by their companies, arrived in Manila via a chartered plane from Doha after being rescued from Afghanistan.

At least 80 Filipinos are currently waiting for a government-chartered flight from Dubai to Kabul, which was deferred on Tuesday night.

The DFA is working to ensure the safety and welfare of the remaining Filipinos in Afghanistan, including four stranded in Mazar-i-Sharif who are at a UN compound.

One Filipino woman was left behind at the Kabul airport by her American boss and later met two other Filipinos, with whom she fled to a UN-controlled safe zone.

Filipino community leaders and companies facilitated the evacuation of their compatriots and employees.

After the repatriation mission, authorities will focus on preventing the trafficking of Filipinos to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Filipinos in distress can contact the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan through various channels provided by the DFA.