PH Consulate General in Istanbul under the PH Team in Türkiye Assists Transit of Second Group of Repatriates through the Istanbul International Airport

The Philippine Country Team in Turkiye joins hands with the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) to assist in the smooth travel of the second batch of repatriates from the earthquake-affected areas at the Istanbul International Airport on 7-8 March 2023 (Istanbul PCG photo).

08 March 2023 - The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, led by Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil, assisted DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Mr. Eduardo José A. de Vega and his team as well as the Philippine Embassy team led by Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye Ms. Maria Elena Algabre in facilitating the smooth transit of the second batch of Filipino repatriates from earthquake-affected areas of Turkiye on 7-8 March 2023. 

The twenty-four (24) repatriates, including one Turkish spouse, consisted of families with children aged one (1) year old to 13 years old and originated from the provinces of Hatay, Malatya and Gaziantep. The Philippine Consulate General coordinated with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Disaster Management Authority (AFAD), and Istanbul Airport (IGA) authorities to provide a fast lane for the repatriates from their arrival from Ankara, clearance through passport control and access to VIP services in the IGA Lounge. They received warm applause and reception, were treated to food and drinks, and provided with buggy transport services to their boarding gates. 

During their transit, Post also facilitated a media interview of DFA Undersecretary de Vega and the repatriates in the Philippine early morning show Unang Hirit. This is the second group transit facilitated by the Philippine Consulate General and the PHL Team in Turkiye related to the 6 February 2023 earthquake. END

Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye Ms. Maria Elena Algabre, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Mr. Eduardo José A. de Vega, and Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil assist the repatriates as they enter the immigration gates (Istanbul PCG photo)

The Philippine Country Team in Türkiye, in coordination with the IGA Staff, ferry repatriates to their boarding gate (Istanbul PCG photo).

One of the children to be repatriated waves the Philippine flag as he enters the boarding gate (Istanbul PCG photo).