US request to allow Afghans in PH under discussion — DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday confirmed that Manila is currently in talks with Washington on whether it would allow or not Afghan nationals to stay in the Philippines while waiting for their Special Immigrant Visas for eventual relocation to the United States. Ma. Teresita Daza, the agency's spokesperson, said the Philippine government has not yet entered nor finalized any agreement with the US on its request on behalf of the Afghan nationals. "Consultations with relevant Philippine Government agencies are ongoing," Daza said. Daza also clarified that while the proposed arrangement is humanitarian in nature, "it will not involve the admission or hosting of Afghan refugees." Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez, who first received the request from Washington, earlier said that the request would only be for Afghan nationals who worked for the US government and their families. This came as Afghan nationals continue to try and escape Taliban rule. Romualdez said Manila would only be providing an area where Afghans could stay while waiting for their Special Immigrant Visas bound for the US. Washington would cover the operational expenses and provide manpower to accommodate them, he added.