Palace seeks prayers for Pinoys in Egypt

Malacañang asked Filipinos over the weekend to pray for the safety of some 6,569 compatriots in troubled Egypt, even as it voiced hopes for a "peaceful and just" resolution of the conflict there. Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte made the call for prayers even as she maintained that the government has prepared contingency measures, including relocation, for the Filipinos there. "Let us pray for our fellow Filipinos there... that the situation in Egypt will not worsen," she said in Filipino on government-run dzRB radio. Valte also assured families of Filipinos in Egypt that the Philippine government is trying to maintain contact with the Philippine Embassy there, even if most Internet connections and mobile networks there are down. Last Saturday, Valte said, “The Philippine government expresses its concern over the events unfolding in Egypt, particularly for the safety of more than 6,500 Filipinos living there. We hope for a peaceful and just resolution to the political unrest currently taking place, and a swift return to stability." The political unrest has continued in Egypt as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced he would fire his Cabinet even as he refused to bow down to calls for his resignation. Valte said the Palace continues to monitor the situation, while the Philippine embassy in Cairo has contingencies in place and is prepared to “relocate" Filipinos if necessary. “As always, the safety of our citizens is the paramount concern and we are doing what we can to address their needs," she said. — LBG, GMANews.TV