DFA Undersecretary Yabes Visits Syria to Check on Overseas Filipinos’ Security

Undersecretary Jesus I. Yabes and delegation are received by H.E. Bouthaina Shaaban during the former’s call on her office.

Undersecretary Yabes paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Faisal Mikdad.

30 March 2017 DAMASCUS – A delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) headed by Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes recently concluded its five-day official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic which included a visit to the province of Aleppo from March 04 to 09. The main purpose of the official visit was to assess the security situation of the place and to check the condition of Filipinos in Syria.

During the official visit, Undersecretary Yabes called on the Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Faisal Mikdad, the Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, the Minister of Interior Lt. General Mohamad al-Shaar, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Rima al-Kadiri, the Aleppo Governor Mr. Housain Ahmad Diab, and the Aleppo Chief of Police General Issam lshilli.

While meeting the Syrian officials, Undersecretary Yabes expressed the Philippine government’s appreciation for the host government’s assistance in facilitating continued the repatriation of Filipinos. He also discussed future cooperation between the two countries in preventing trafficking of persons.

The Syrian officials on the other hand expressed their country’s support on the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Bouthaina Shaaban, in particular, has praised the Philippine government for sending a delegation to see the situation in Syria firsthand. During the meeting with the Minister of Interior, Lt. General al-Shaar, indicated the Syrian government’s willingness for future cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism.

Undersecretary Yabes and his delegation, as well as officials from the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, headed by Charge d’ Affaires Crescente R. Relacion, also visited the province of Aleppo from March 06 to 08 to check the condition of the remaining Filipino community members in the province. A Filipino community gathering was held at the Philippine Honorary Consulate General’s office organized by Philippine Honorary Consul General Wassim Nanaa. Undersecretary Yabes has also paid courtesy call to the governor and chief of police in Aleppo.

Undersecretary Yabes was accompanied by Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana of the DFA Office of Middle East and African Affairs, Rt. Admiral Tolentino of the DFA Office of Intelligence and Security, Mr. Al-bari Macalawan, Mr. Wilfredo Macan, and Mr. John Vincent Ruiz. END

Undersecretary Secretary Yabes surveys the map of Aleppo. Standing to his right are Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana (OMEAA) and Ret. Admiral Tolentino (OIS). Standing to his left are Mr. Al-Bari Macalawan (OUA), PH Honorary Consul Wassim Nanaa & Charge d’Affaires Crescente R. Relacion.

Undersecretary Yabes and Charge d’Affaires Relacion address the attendees of the Filipino community gathering.