The Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday it ordered the mandatory evacuation of 130 Filipinos working in Afghanistan after the Taliban rebels laid siege on the capital, Kabul.
There's a "worsening security situation" in Afghanistan and the DFA advised Filipinos there to contact the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan via WhatsApp or Viber at +923335244762 or via Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/atnofficers.islamabadpe or facebook.com/OFWHelpPH.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday fled the country as the insurgents closed in on the capital, before ultimately entering the city and taking over the presidential palace, sealing a nationwide military victory in just 10 days.
"The Taliban have won with the judgement of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honor, property, and self-preservation of their countrymen," Ghani said in a statement posted to Facebook, his first since fleeing.
"They are now facing a new historical test. Either they will preserve the name and honour of Afghanistan or they will give priority to other places and networks," he added, saying he left to prevent a "flood of bloodshed".
The Taliban have carried out a lightning sweep of the country, with government forces collapsing without the support of the US military, which is finalizing its withdrawal in alignment with an August 31 deadline set by President Joe Biden.
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