The Philippines’ doors are open for Afghans seeking refuge after Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
In a press briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said the country had a long history of accepting asylum seekers.
“Since time immemorial po, the Philippines has had jurisprudence even before the Convention of Refugees welcoming asylum seekers,” he said.
“Sabi nga po ng Korte Suprema…the Philippines will not hesitate to admit individuals fleeing their homelands because of fear of persecution,” Roque added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Tuesday that 35 Filipinos had been repatriated from Afghanistan.
The DFA issued a mandatory evacuation order to Filipinos in Afghanistan due to the chaos there.
Taliban forces took over Afghanistan following the departure of American forces and its president, Ashraf Ghani. John Ezekiel J. Hirro