MANILA, Philippines – Officials say the Philippines has set aside an emergency evacuation fund, identified possible escape routes for thousands of Filipinos in Egypt and advised its citizens to defer nonessential travel because of ongoing protests against President Hosni Mubarak's government.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that a number of senior envoys will fly to Egypt to help ensure the safety of more than 6,500 Filipinos there, mostly maids and students.
Foreign affairs spokesman Ed Malaya said officials held an emergency meeting in Manila and discussed plans for evacuating Filipinos by buses or ships in case the unrest worsens.
He said Filipinos have been advised not to get involved in political actions, to stay indoors and steer clear of massive protests.
