QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is set to repatriate to the country 13 Filipinos in Ukraine on Monday, February 28.

Filipinos were welcomed by DFA Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne Border Crossing Station in Poland.

The DFA chief traveled to Poland to oversee the repatriation of Filipinos evacuated from Ukraine.

DFA Usec. Sarah Lou Arriola said in Laging Handa Public Briefing that the evacuated Filipinos are now in a hotel in Warsaw, Poland hosted by Philippine Embassy in Poland.

“They just took RT-PCT test and when they tested negative, makakalipad na sila tonight or tomorrow,” Arriola added.

The DFA gave the evacuees $200 financial assistance. The evacuees will also undergo psychosocial counseling once they arrive in the country.

Meanwhile, Filipinos in Lviv, Ukraine who chose to stay also received $200 financial assistance and food and care packages.

The DFA is still waiting for Filipinos from Kyiv to arrive in Lviv for the 2nd batch of border crossing to Poland.

The repatriation of Filipinos is part of the DFA’s efforts to ensure the safety of Filipinos amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. (SBB/PIA-IDPD)