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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Afghans' PH stay still under study, says Palace

Afghans' PH stay still under study, says Palace

Published Jun 17, 2023 12:40 am
Malacañang said that the government was still studying the request of the United States of America (USA) for the Philippines to allow the temporary stay of Afghan refugees in the country. *File photo of President Marcos meeting US President Joseph Biden in Washington, D.C., in May 2023. (Malacañang photo)*

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this following reports that US President Joseph Biden had briefly raised this during his meeting with President Marcos in Washington, D.C., last month. In a text message to Malacañang reporters, Garafil said Biden's request was still being studied. "It's a request from the United States government. The request is currently under evaluation," she said. Early this week, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the US government first requested for the Philippines to temporarily accept refugees fleeing from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in October 2022. He said the request was for "pure processing" of special immigration visas for Afghans and their families who formerly worked for the US government and "whose lives are in danger." Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez said President Marcos would follow in the footsteps of the latter's late father regarding the issue. Rodriguez was referring to when then President Ferdinand E, Marcos, Sr.'s decision to  accept thousands of Vietnamese "boat people" after South Vietnam fell to North Vietnamese forces in 1975. "I am sure President Bongbong Marcos would follow the example and good deeds of his father," he said. "We are a compassionate nation. We are a caring people who will always receive refugees for humanitarian reasons. We can limit the number, but let us host Afghans fleeing the war in their country and their cruel Taliban leaders," he added.

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Afghan refugess Cheloy Garafil PH-US
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