Bangsamoro gov't supports PH hosting of Afghan nationals

MANILA – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said it "fully supports" the national government's decision to allow a certain number of Afghan nationals to process in the Philippines their resettlement in the United States.

The two nations reached a deal allowing a "limited number" of Afghans to stay in the Philippines for no more than 59 days while they complete their visa processing for a US Special Immigrant Visa (SIV).

In a statement on Thursday night, BARMM Spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun said the Bangsamoro government stands ready to work with the national government "to ensure the efficient and successful implementation" of the initiative.

"The Bangsamoro Government stands in full support of the US-Philippine agreement on processing Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan nationals," he said.

"This noble endeavor underscores the importance of humanity in our shared global community, as we extend a helping hand to those in need."

READ: Afghans staying in PH for US visa to undergo 'full security vetting'

The deal, signed in the form of an executive agreement, needs only the ratification of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take effect.

The expenses of the Afghan nationals while in the Philippines will be shouldered by the US government, including their food, housing, security, medical, and transportation to complete visa processing.

In a separate statement, the State Department said the US "appreciates its long and positive history of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines" and thanked the latter for supporting its Afghan allies. (PNA)