The Department of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the arrival of an undetermined number of Afghan refugees, including women and children, to the Philippines.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. confirmed this Wednesday night, saying the Philippines is open to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Locsin thanked the Dominguez brothers – Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Paul Dominguez – for bringing the matter of the Afghan refugees to the attention of the DFA and the Department of Justice.
“We stay steady where others waver: tonight, we welcome Afghan nationals including women and kids seeking refuge. Our doors are open to those fleeing, conflict, persecution, sexual abuse, and death.
Thank you, Sonny and Paul Dominguez, Vince Dizon for bringing the matter of the refugees to DFA & DOJ attention,” Locsin said in a Twitter post Wednesday.
However, Locsin declined to give further information about the Afghan refugees to ensure their safety and privacy.
“The matter is closed. We’re not interested in publicity or thanks.
This is done so one can look at himself in the mirror. Period,” he stressed.
The DFA chief revealed that gave instructions to the DFA to “follow this bare minimum of information” concerning the arrival of Afghan refugees in the country.
When the evacuation in Afghanistan ended on August 30, Locsin pointed out that the Philippines would only accept refugees on a “government to government” basis, or between the respective Foreign and Justice ministries of two governments.
He was referring to possible talks with the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and other Western countries who were active in the evacuation of Afghans fleeing their country following the takeover of the Taliban.
Locsin also turned down interventions coming from any non-government organizations or any non-state parties.
“We will not entertain any request for asylum coming from NGOs however well-meaning or reputable or any other no state parties,” Locsin said.
