The sight of hundreds of Afghans desperately trying to board the last planes departing Kabul in August 2021 was a striking and unforgettable image. Chaos erupted when President Joe Biden announced the end of the United States’ two-decade military presence in Afghanistan, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As American soldiers left, they left behind scared and destitute Afghans, uncertain of their future under the rule of the Taliban. This uncertainty resonated with many peace-loving nations, including the Philippines, which expressed its willingness to provide asylum to Afghan refugees. According to Harry Roque, spokesperson for then President Rodrigo Duterte, “All those who need help because they are being persecuted in their country, they have a place here in the Philippines.” He also emphasized that the Philippines would not hesitate to admit individuals fleeing persecution, as stated by the Supreme Court.
Surprisingly, controversy arose when it was reported that the Marcos administration was making efforts to accept Afghan refugees, a move that was criticized by Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister. She claimed that a secret deal had been made with the US to provide shelter for Afghan “American spies.” The senator has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the matter, citing a lack of transparency. The Philippine ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, confirmed that the US had made the request, but it was still under review by the Cabinet security cluster and had not yet been approved by the President. It is crucial for the US government to be transparent and address these allegations to dispel any suspicions. Likewise, the Department of Foreign Affairs should clarify the senator’s claims regarding the majority of their officials being against the proposal, supposedly pushed by Romualdez. This situation raises questions about diplomatic and confidentiality rules within the department.
The senator’s “anonymous” sources within the DFA also alleged that the US planned to seek special immigration status for 1,500 Afghans per month, with housing provided at New Clark City in Pampanga. This issue should not be politicized, especially in light of the Marcos administration’s defense ties with the US. Senator Marcos, who chairs the Senate’s foreign affairs panel, has been critical of her brother’s decision to grant new defense cooperation agreement sites for US forces. It is important for the President to clarify the country’s policy regarding Afghan refugees, putting an end to the espionage allegations and ensuring the safety of potential refugees and the Philippines as a whole.
The Philippines has a long-standing history of providing refuge to people in need, dating back to the early 20th century, when the country welcomed Jews fleeing the Holocaust, Russians, and Vietnamese boat people. Our culture and laws embrace the concept of extending a helping hand. In February 2022, the Supreme Court made it easier for stateless individuals and refugees to acquire Philippine citizenship, in line with UN conventions and protocols. Additionally, President Duterte established an interagency committee to provide protection services to refugees and asylum seekers. Even if the Afghan refugees had supported the US during its military presence in Afghanistan, putting them at risk of persecution by the Taliban, the Philippines’ humanitarian record and policies support accommodating them.
Under the Duterte administration, Afghan refugees were already welcomed into the country without any controversy or details being made public. It is crucial to treat this as a humanitarian matter rather than politicizing it, as doing so not only endangers potential Afghan refugees but also threatens Philippine security. The President can put an end to this unnecessary controversy by publicly stating the country’s policy, particularly to his sister.
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