PH Gov’t Makes Final Repat Preparations for Kababayans on Irma-Hit Caribbean Islands

The Vice-Chair of the Crisis Management Team of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga (left) discusses boarding procedures with Louis Rodriguez of GMD Airline Services Puerto Rico.

18 September 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Government is finalizing the arrangements for the repatriation of around 140 Filipino nationals from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Anguilla, and Sint Maarten, who requested to be evacuated in light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Irma on the Caribbean islands.

The DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., Philippine Embassy in The Hague, and POLO-OWWA in Washington, D.C. reported to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano that they are closely coordinating to ensure the smooth schedule of flights from BVI, Anguilla, and Sint Maarten to San Juan, Puerto Rico on 17-18 September 2017. From Puerto Rico, the repatriates will catch the chartered flight to the Philippines.

Atty. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, the Vice-Chair of the Crisis Management Team of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., arrived in Puerto Rico today and discussed boarding procedures with Louis Rodriguez of GMD Airline Services Puerto Rico who will be the ground handler for the chartered flight to the Philippines.

The response team stationed in San Juan is also arranging the accommodations, transportation, and meals of those scheduled to arrive from the three islands.

Meanwhile, the two separate response teams from Puerto Rico and Curacao are expected to arrive this afternoon on Anguilla and Sint Maarten, respectively, to provide relief assistance and help in the repatriation of kababayans who were affected by Hurricane Irma.

Those who want to share or find information about the condition of their family members and friends in the abovementioned places may reach the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. through the following contact information:

• Emergency hotline:  +1 (202) 368 2767
• Email addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Facebook: facebook.com/philippinesusa
• Twitter: @philippinesusa

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