Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced that the Philippines is ready to accept refugees fleeing from Afghanistan. The war-torn country has once again fallen under the rule of the Taliban, a political and religious faction, after Afghanistan’s president fled the country on Monday, August 16.
Following the Afghan government’s collapse, the Taliban swiftly took over the capital, Kabul, causing chaos among civilians who fear for their lives. Videos and news reports online show Afghans flooding the city’s international airport, some clinging to the side of US airships, in a desperate attempt to flee the nation.
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In a press briefing on Tuesday, August 17, Roque said that Afghan refugees seeking asylum are welcome in the Philippines. The Presidential spokesperson noted that the Philippines has a long history of opening its doors to refugees, which includes Jews during the Holocaust and the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Roque said, “Welcome po ang mga asylum seekers sa Pilipinas (Asylum seekers are welcome in the Philippines).”
“Lahat po ng kinakilangan ng kalinga dahil sila po ay pinepersecute sa kanilang bayan, meron po kayong lugar dito sa Pilipinas (To those in need of refuge because they are persecuted in their homeland, you have a place in the Philippines),” he added.
A Supreme Court ruling states that the Philippines would “not hesitate to admit individuals fleeing their homelands because of fear of persecution,” Roque also cited.
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