Military to send fewer troops for repatriating Filipinos in Middle East

January 13, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the military will decrease the number of troops to be deployed to assist in repatriating Filipinos in the Middle East.

Lorenzana said the matter was discussed during the meeting of the Committee on Repatriation that he presided over as the chairman last Thursday.

He said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and the Department of Labor and Employment  commented that because of sensitivities of countries in the Middle East "it may not be wise to send uniformed servicemen" to assist the repatriation.

"It was agreed that we recommend the sending of a small contingent of servicemen instead of two battalions but they will be in civilian attire and will not be armed should they be needed on the ground," said Lorenzana.

"Also, two battalions would be a lot and they would be taking much of the spaces on the ship, leaving very little or nothing for the repatriates," he said.

Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte approved the changes on the repatriation plan.

"I have apprised the President of these developments during our meeting last Thursday and he approved the concept," he said.

"The Philippine Navy is preparing two ships to sail for the Middle East: the Frigate BRP Gregorio de Pilar and the Landing Ship Dock BRP Davao del Sur," he added. Robina Asido/DMS