AN official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday allowing the entry of and providing shelter homes to some 50,000 refugees from Afghanistan are considered “acts of charity and compassion.”
In a brief statement, CBCP – Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) vice chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said there are several reasons to allow the entry of the Afghans, foremost of which is that the Philippines is a Catholic nation.
“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’,” said Santos.
In addition, the prelate noted how welcoming others is part of “our natural traits (to be) hospitable, helpful, and hardworking people.”
Santos also said it is the country’s international commitment to open its doors to refugees.
“Our commitment as (a) United Nations signatory is to help and accommodate migrants and refugees,” he said, adding the Church is ready to work with the government in aiding the refugees.
“The Church (will) cooperate and collaborate with our government to promote, protect, and preserve human lives,” said Santos.
Earlier, the United States asked the Philippines to allow the former to bring in 50,000 Afghans refugees to the country while they await the approval of their special American immigration visas.
