MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. confirmed on Wednesday night the arrival of the first Afghan refugees in the Philippines after a mass displacement caused by the recent Taliban takeover.
“We stay steady where others waver: tonight we welcome Afghan nationals including women and kids seeking refuge,” Locsin tweeted.
Locsin did not mention the number of Afghan refugees who have arrived in the country.
He thanked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and brother Paul Dominguez for bringing the matter to the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice.
“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.
Locsin said no further information would be provided to the public for the refugees’ 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 added.
Locsin earlier said the Philippines would only accept refugees on a government-to-government basis and would not entertain any request for asylum coming from NGOs or any other non-state parties.
“I predict that refugees will be the next lucrative order of business, having plenty of cash in hand or in foreign bank accounts. The temptation will be resistible to help them and help oneself to them. That will never happen under this administration or in my watch,” Locsin said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees repeated its call to neighboring States to keep their borders open to those fleeing Afghanistan.
According to the UN refugee agency, around 3.5 million people are displaced within the country and many of those wishing to cross into countries such as Pakistan or Iran may not have the documents they need.