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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'A humane thing to do': Zubiri OK with Afghan nationals temporarily staying in PH

'A humane thing to do': Zubiri OK with Afghan nationals temporarily staying in PH

Published Jun 29, 2023 10:35 am
To allow thousands of Afghan refugees to stay temporarily in the Philippines while they await their US visa is the right thing to do for humanitarian reason. “It is the right thing to do as humanly as possible,’’ Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said of a US request for the Philippines to become a temporary half way house for the Afghans. Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri reports to members of the media the highlights of his three-week working visit to the United States during the "Kapihan sa Senado" forum on Thursday, June 29, 2023.  (O/S Senate President and Senate PRIB)
He said it is up to President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ R, Marcos Jr. to decide on the US request. The halfway house could eventually become a housing project in the country as it would be the US that would finance their construction, he pointed out. Zubiri said it was not mentioned to him how many Afghans would come into the country. “Meron sila halfway house sa Germany, Qatar. We are signatories on several statutes. They are not seeking asylum, temporary lang sila dito. They are going to be vetted out,’’ he said. The Senate Chief said the vetting process for the Afghans would be more strict than the US vetting process for Filipinos. Zubiri said the Philippines has opened its gates to the Jews during World War II and to the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war. ‘’Let’s put ourselves in our situation kung nagkagyera tayo dito (if there is war here), sabihin ng US lahat kayo welcome kayo lumipat (The US will tell us’’you are welcome’). I’m sure we will welcome the gesture,’’ he pointed out. On fears that the Afghans could be US operatives, Zubiri replied: ‘’I don’t think so.’’ ‘’They are going to stay here 60-90 days and enclosed yan di sila makalabas (and in enclosed place. They cannot leave). There’s an assurance na di sila makalabas (they will not be permitted to leave). . Dapat mabantayan nang maayos (thjeir stay would be guarded well),’’ he pointed out.

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humanitarian mission PH-US relations Senate President Juan Miguel F.  Zubiri Afghan nationals
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