OFWs tells experience as they move to safer grounds amid Russia-Ukraine conflict
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 25) — Some overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Ukraine, together with their employers, started leaving the city of Kyiv after a series of explosions on Thursday following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
CNN Philippines spoke to Joy Tolentino, an OFW in Ukraine, who gave updates about their situation amid tensions there.
“Buong katawan ko nanginig sa pagsabog. Yanig talaga ang bahay pag nasa city ka,” Tolentino shared. “Sa Frankivka airport bombahan na raw, nag-panic na ang amo ko kasi andoon na nauna mga alaga ko.”
[Translation: My whole body trembled because of the explosion. The whole house was shaking if you are in the city. They said there were explosions at the Frankivka airport. My employers panicked because their kids are already there.]
At 3 p.m., (9 p.m. Manila time) residents, including OFWs, started leaving the capital.
“Moving out na kami ng city papunta sa safe location na medyo safe kasama ang aming mga amo.” Tolentino disclosed. “Traffic na ngayon papalabas ng Kyiv.”
[Translation: We are moving out of the city together with our employers to find a safe location. There’s heavy traffic getting out of Kyiv.]
She noted there are long queues of cars at different gasoline stations heading to provinces west of Ukraine near Poland and away from the Russian border.
Explosions continued as people tried to move away from the city, she said.
Guillen Rocher, also an OFW in Ukraine, shared a footage showing long lines outside of banks and people on the streets heading out of the capital.
Philippine authorities have encouraged OFWs in Ukraine to return home prior to invasion, but they have been hesitant due to lack of job opportunities back home.
So far, six Filipinos have been repatriated from Ukraine, with four more expected to arrive on Friday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The DFA has committed to assist Filipinos who want to flee to safer grounds.
SOURCE: https://www.cnnphilippines.com
