MANILA, Philippines –The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that 141 Filipinos are still in Ukraine amid the Russian attacks.
Out of 141 Filipinos, 45 are in the capital Kyiv. 55 are near the Hungarian border while the rest are spread across the country. There are also around 87 seafarers docked near the country.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Arriola said that many Filipinos are uncertain about coming home. Some decided to stay back with their employers while some do not want to be separated from their Ukrainian family.
Arriola reported that the remaining Filipinos in Ukraine want to wait and see how the situation will pan out. Some of those who refused to evacuate were given monetary assistance.
The undersecretary assured that the department will continue monitoring the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. She guaranteed that they are ready to provide aid and evacuation support if ever any of the remaining Filipinos decide to come back to the Philippines.
Since the launch of the Russian assault last February 24, at least 40 Filipinos have safely evacuated from Ukraine.