DFA: Pinoys’ evacuation from Sudan begins today Under 100 Pinoys opt to stay in Sudan for family, work

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

GOVERNMENT plans to begin its evacuation of more Filipinos from strife-torn Sudan “within 24 hours,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

Three Filipinos were safely evacuated from the northeast African coun- try and have already arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said in a television interview.

The number of Filipinos requesting repatriation has reached 156 as the armed conflict between the Sudanese military and a paramilitary group continues, the Foreign Affairs executive added.

“Our embassy there said over 500 Filipinos sent them a message. Out of the 500 plus, 156 are ready to go home at any moment,” de Vega said.