People try to get into Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan Aug. 16, 2021, shortly after the Taliban has taken control of the capital. (REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines started taking in Afghan refugees on Wednesday, including women and children, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
But he said further information on the refugees will not be made public for their safety and privacy.
“We stay steady where others waver: tonight we welcome Afghan nationals including women & kids seeking refuge,” Locsin said in a tweet.
“Our doors are open to those fleeing conflict, persecution, sexual abuse and death,” he added.
We stay steady where others waver: tonight we welcome Afghan nationals including women & kids seeking refuge. Our doors are open to those fleeing, conflict, persecution, sexual abuse and death. Thank you Sonny & Paul Dominguez, Vince Dizon for bring this to DFA & DOJ’s attention.
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) September 8, 2021
“The matter is closed. We’re not interested in publicity or thanks. This is done so one can look at himself in the mirror. Period,” Manila’s top diplomat said.
“I don’t want baduy [corny] comparisons to famous relief actions in the past,” he said in another tweet.
Locsin earlier affirmed that the Philippines would be ready to accept refugees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan where the Taliban had seized control over its capital.
However, he said the Philippines would only take in Afghan refugees and asylum seekers through a request from other governments.
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