An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said accepting refugees from crisis-torn Afghanistan a "humane act."
"To accept refugees is very humane and compassionate act, which are so inspiring, salvific, and very Biblical," CBCP - Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) Vice Chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said in an interview Wednesday, Aug. 18.
He noted how Filipinos, who are known for being hospitable, helpful, and hardworking, have also hosted and helped those who were fleeing the Indochina wars known as "boat people."
Still, Santos said, the government should also be very careful when accepting refugees amid the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"With this surging COVID-19, we have to be very careful, take necessary preventive measures, and apply all medical protocols for those whom we are going to accept," the Balanga prelate said.
Malacañang on Tuesday said the country is willing to welcome asylum seekers from Afghanistan.
Thousands of Afghan citizens wanting to flee their country flocked the airport after Taliban militants seized control of Afghanistan.