5 November 2014 - Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis, together with Special Assistant, Atty. Zoilo Velasco, visited the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, Syria on from October 12 to 16 to obtain updates on the status of the Philippine government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) for all Filipinos in Syria which was implemented in December 2011.  This is Undersecretary Seguis’ first visit in Damascus after being appointed as Head of the Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns (OUCSCC).

On October 12, a simple welcome dinner was hosted by Charge d’ Affaires, e.p.  and Mrs. Nestor N. Padalhin for Undersecretary Seguis held at his residence in West Mezzeh Area which was also attended by the Embassy staff.  At the dinner, CDA Padalhin, on his part, thanked Undersecretary Seguis for his untiring effort in helping the Embassy for the fast-tracking of the issuance of exit visas to Filipino nationals who applied for repatriations.

As of November 4, the Philippine Embassy in Damascus has already repatriated 5,528 Filipino nationals who availed of the MRP.  With the MRP still in place, the Philippine Embassy is calling on the next-of-kin of Filipino workers who are still in Syria to get in touch with the Embassy and provide information of their family member’s whereabouts so that immediate assistance can be extended to them. The Embassy may be reached through the following contact details: 00963-11-6132626, 00963-949155557, 00963-934957926, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END