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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH's hosting of Afghan nationals commendable—Tolentino

PH's hosting of Afghan nationals commendable—Tolentino

Published Jan 20, 2025 11:04 am

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Monday, January 20 welcomed the news that all of the Afghan refugees who were temporarily hosted by the Philippines while processing their special immigrant visa (SIV) applications to relocate to the United States – have already left the country.

“They arrived and departed our country safely, discreetly, and without any untoward incidents. Hosting the Afghan refugees is correct, humane, and commendable,” said the senator, who has consistently voiced support for the agreement between the United States and the Philippines to assist the transiting Afghans.

Citing news reports quoting US Embassy sources,Tolentino noted that the Afghans numbered “just under 200" – and not 300 as earlier announced.

“They arrived on January 6 and left between January 15 to 17. Their stay lasted 11 days at most, which is much less than the 59-day period that our government agreed to accord to them to process their visa applications,” he stressed.

“This gesture will be added to the Philippines’ long and respected record throughout history of providing temporary shelter for refugees escaping war, violence, or persecution,” added Tolentino.

He noted that the country had opened its doors to Russian refugees at the end of World War I; Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution during World War II; Vietnamese “boat people” fleeing the Vietnam War in the seventies; and most recently, Rohingya refugees, a stateless Muslim minority fleeing violence and discrimination in Myanmar.

Tolentino expressed his full support for the government's actions — individuals who aided American forces and their families composed mostly of children.

He said that this initiative is part of Washington's efforts to support former allies following the Taliban's rise to power three years ago. It is also pursuant to an Agreement signed on July 29, 2024, between the Philippines and the United States and ratified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 25, 2024.

As a steadfast advocate for refugees' rights and the broader spectrum of human rights, Tolentino said he cannot stress enough the importance of demonstrating shared humanity by aiding those fleeing violence and persecution.

Related Tags

Afghan nationals Senator Francis Tolentino UNITED STATES EMBASSY special immigrant visas
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