PH Embassy in Myanmar Repatriates 91 Distressed Filipinos to Manila

Filipino repatriates line up early at Yangon International Airport as they patiently wait for the check-in counters to open. (Yangon PE photo)

YANGON 19 May 2020 — The Philippine Embassy in Yangon repatriated 91 stranded and distressed Filipinos to Manila on 18 May 2020 through a special chartered Air Asia flight.

Some of the repatriates were stranded in Yangon due to flight cancellations. Others lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19- related restrictions thus leaving them economically vulnerable to continue living in Myanmar.

Most of the Filipinos who were repatriated were staying in Yangon. Others came from the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and other regions of Myanmar. In preparation for the flight, the Embassy provided transportation and temporary hotel accommodation for these Filipinos, including those who lost their jobs and could not support themselves financially.

The arrangement and facilitation of the repatriation flight involved preparation and coordination by the Embassy with various parties, including the airlines as there are currently no direct flights between the Philippines and Myanmar, the Philippine government offices to ensure the safety of the arriving Filipinos, and Myanmar ministries.

The repatriates expressed their appreciation to Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Eduardo "Red" Kapunan, Jr. and the entire Embassy team for the continuous support to Filipinos in Myanmar and the assistance they received every step of the way—from registering for the flight until boarding the plane. END

Philippine Embassy personnel assist the passengers in checking in their baggage. (Yangon PE photo)

Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Eduardo "Red" Kapunan, Jr. thanks Yangon Aerodrome personnel for their support in providing adequate airport facilities for the Embassy's repatriation flight. (Yangon PE photo)

Filipinos get ready to board Air Asia Special Repatriation Flight Z2 801. (Yangon PE photo)

The repatriates finally board the plane that will take them back home to Manila. (Yangon PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.yangonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMyanmar.