Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday confirmed the arrival of an undetermined number of Afghan refugees, including women and kids, to the Philippines.
In a late-night tweet, Locsin said the Philippines is open to those fleeing conflict and persecution as he thanked the Dominguez brothers – Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Paul Dominguez – for bringing the matter of the 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.
The DFA chief said no further information will be provided to the public and to the media “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.
He gave instructions to the DFA to “follow this bare minimum of information” concerning the arrival of Afghan refugees in the country.
At the end of the evacuation in Afghanistan on Aug. 30, Locsin said the Philippines only accept refugees on a “government to government” basis, or between the respective Foreign and Justice ministries of two governments.
He specifically referred to possible talks to 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 take over of the Taliban.
Locsin also rejected interventions coming from any non-government organizations (NGOs) 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,” he said.