WASHINGTON, D.C. – At least 132 Filipinos affected by hurricane Irma at the British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and Anguilla departed San Juan, Puerto Rico for the Philippines Tuesday morning (US time) on board Philippine Airlines charted flight PR 8115.
The repatriates, together with four members of the Response Team from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., are scheduled to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 20 September at 9:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time).
They were airlifted from the Irma-affected islands to Puerto Rico over the past two days. In Puerto Rico, the Filipinos were billeted in a hotel, given meals, and received other necessary assistance.
PR 8115 left San Juan on the same day that Hurricane Maria wass expected to slam against Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Embassy is closely watching the progress of the Category 5 hurricane that is threatening to cause further devastation on the Irma-hit Caribbean territories.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Embassy continues to coordinate with the Filipinos along Maria’s path on their situation. They have been advised to take extra precaution and to heed the warnings of the authorities and weather experts.
Filipinos who may require assistance may reach the Philippine Embassy through the following contact information:
• Emergency hotline: +1 (202) 368 2767
• Email addresses: [email protected] / [email protected]
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/philippinesusa
• Twitter: @philippinesusa
