DFA: Lone Filipino Peru tourist stranded

A Filipino tourist is among the thousands of foreign tourists that are now stranded in Peru due to the widespread demonstrations that led to the closures of its airports.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tess Daza on Friday confirmed to reporters that the 24-year-old Filipino male backpacker — the lone Filipino tourist in Peru — is currently stranded in Machu Picchu due to the recent closure of the Cusco International Airport.

"The Embassy continues to verify through the Honorary Consul, Filipino community coordinator in Lima and other contacts in Cusco if there are others, but as of date, one confirmed stranded," Daza said.
She said the Filipino backpacker, who arrived in Peru on 9 December, sounded well and in good condition.

"He said he plans to continue with his travel in the region as soon as flights to Lima resume," she said.

Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Chile, which holds jurisdiction over Peru, will continue to check on his safety and condition.

According to the Embassy in Lima, the Peruvian authorities are prioritizing the opening of regional airports by 18 December. At least five airports in Peru are temporarily closed due to the widespread demonstrations sparked after the ouster of its former president Pedro Castillo.