Phnom Penh — The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia facilitated the return to Manila of another batch of overseas Filipinos this week. Onboard a special commercial flight of Cambodia Angkor Air, sixty-eight (68) self-paying Filipino passengers arrived in NAIA at 4:08 am of 11 June 2020. Two stranded foreign passengers, both married to Filipinos, were on the same flight. The Embassy cooperated with the airlines to ensure that the plane tickets can be offered at very affordable rates. The Department of Foreign Affairs closely coordinated with relevant authorities in the Philippines to obtain the necessary government clearances. This brings to 381 the number of Filipinos assisted by the Embassy in returning to the Philippines.
Even after two repatriation flights organized by the Embassy, there were still many Filipinos who have expressed their desire to return home. Many of the Filipino passengers were adversely affected by the economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Others were stranded in Cambodia for lack of available commercial flights to the Philippines.
Others, like Catherine Cruz Martin, had a family emergency. “My heartfelt thanks to PE Phnom Penh and all the staff who facilitated our repatriation this June 11, 2020. My dearest mom passed away and as much as i want to go back home, PE Phnom Penh expressed their support by pushing hard for this flight to go thru. Miracles happen, and God uses people and circumstances to make it to life, i am forever grateful.”
Upon arrival in Manila, 73-year old Sister Violeta Barrameda Cecilio commended the Embassy’s efforts. “I am impressed by the action taken by our Embassy. The process was smoothly facilitated and the staff were polite and patient to answer our questions. No wonder it was blessed with a clearance that could have been delayed and made some OFWs waste time and lose resources . The Staff's follow-up in the airport showed real concern to our FIL brothers and sisters. The flight was smooth and the process was organized with helping hands to fill up several forms. A comment came out that non OFWs should have been separated from OFWs because some questions do not concern them. Process could have been faster . However, overall I personally saw the hard work to facilitate the exit from Cambodia and arrival in the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS! Be assured of our continuous prayers for you all,” said Sister Violeta.
The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia is continuing its efforts to assist Filipinos in the Kingdom cope with the impact of the pandemic. The Embassy’s next initiative is the distribution of care packages to Filipinos severely affected by the pandemic. END
