An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) has expressed support to the Philippine government’s plan to accommodate some 50,000 Afghan refugees, saying it is an act of “charity and compassion.”
“As a Catholic country, it is considered acts of charity and compassion to assist and to welcome them. We heed to God’s call that ‘as I am a stranger you welcome’,” CBCP-ECMI vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement Tuesday.
He noted that Filipinos were known to be charitable and hospitable.
“It is our natural traits (to be) hospitable, helpful, and hardworking people,” Santos said.
He also believed that it is also part of the country’s international commitment to open its doors to refugees.
“Our commitment as United Nations signatory is to help and accommodate migrants and refugees,” he added.
Earlier, the United States asked the Philippines to admit the 50,000 refugees from Afghanistan.
They will briefly stay in the country while they await the approval of their special immigration visas from the American government.
Last week, Malacañang said the government was evaluating the US. request on behalf of the Afghan refugees.