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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US request to PH covers only Afghan ex-gov't workers — envoy

US request to PH covers only Afghan ex-gov't workers — envoy

Published Jun 14, 2023 07:02 am
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez on Wednesday clarified that Washington's request for Manila to allow Afghan refugees in the country only covers those who worked for the US government and those whose lives are in danger. Romualdez made the clarification after an opinion piece in a national daily criticized him as slowly turning into an American for his supposed support for the US request. He also defended himself by saying that the request was already made as early as October and for the US "allied partners and friends." "The US request is pure processing for Afghans and their families who worked with the US gov't in Afghanistan and whose lives are in danger," Romualdez said in a message. "No Afghans will remain in the country once they are processed for US special immigrant visa," he added. Romualdez also called out the opinion piece. He said it was "pure nonsense." As an ambassador, he said, it was only "a good humanitarian gesture" for him to back the request "based on" the Philippine history with refugees "I'm glad Sen. Imee is calling a senate inquiry on Friday so that all the concerns will be addressed," he also said.

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