The national government is still studying the request to shelter thousands of displaced Afghan nationals who are awaiting resettlement in the United States (US), President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said on Monday, July 17.
In an interview with the media, Marcos said they are in the process of identifying the problems or issues that might arise once Afghans temporarily stay in the country.
“We have made some progress but there's still some major obstacles to us being able to do it but we continue to consult with our friends in the US,” he added.
The President said they did not set a deadline on when to issue a decision on the request.
“[I]to, ibang usapan 'to kasi may halong pulitika, may halong security, so medyo mas kumplikado ito. We'll look at it very, very well before making a decision,” he said.
But Marcos noted that he wanted to manifest the hospitality instinct of Filipinos.
“Many times had happened that there have been…situations around the world and may mga nagkaka-refugee, hindi tinatanggap kahit saan, tayo tinatanggap natin at hindi tayo kinakalimutan ng tinulungan natin. Eh ganyan talaga ang ugali ng Pinoy,” the President said.
Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the country will not be hosting Afghan refugees but only those who formerly worked in the US government and their qualified family members.
The DFA earlier assured that a security and background check on Afghan nationals will be conducted.
Over 50,000 Afghan nationals are expected to come to the country once the government approves US request.
