The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised alert level 4 over Afghanistan on Sunday (Aug. 15) due to the “worsening security situation in the country.”
In a statement, the DFA explained that alert level 4 is raised “when there is large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack.” The alert level calls on the mandatory repatriation or evacuation of all Filipinos in the country.
“Under this alert level, the Philippine government undertakes the mandatory evacuation of all Filipinos in the area,” it added.
The department said the estimated number of Filipinos in Afghanistan is 130. In a statement on Monday (Aug. 16), 32 Filipinos have evacuated to Doha, Qatar who are currently waiting for their confirmed flights to the Philippines and 19 are “set to leave immediately.”
According to Samahang Pilipino sa Afghanistan, the Filipino community is safe and no one was involved in the chaos.
In a TeleRadyo interview with Samahang Pilipino sa Afghanistan President Joseph Glenn Gumpal, he said the Taliban has entered the capital of the country, Kabul, on Sunday night. He added that they did not have the chance to leave their homes since the military organization entered the area.
Establishments such as banks and markets were also closed, but Gumpal said they have access to continuous flow of food supply.
The Filipinos asked the DFA for their quick repatriation to ensure their safety.
In relation to this, the department said it is “currently undertaking arrangements for the repatriation of Filipinos still left in Kabul, Afghanistan.” It advised those who are still in Afghanistan to immediately coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan through its social media accounts and email.
Meanwhile, former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has fled the country. According to Al Jazeera news, the turnover of the country to the Taliban was peacefully conducted. The organization said the war is over in Afghanistan and clarification regarding the new ruler will be made in a few days.
Report from Naomi Tiburcio/NGS-rir
