Philippines ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees, vows $100,000 aid

The Philippines vowed that it was ready to welcome Ukrainians seeking refuge as a result of Russia's invasion of their country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the department said in a statement that "in keeping with its long tradition of providing humanitarian assistance, the Philippines stands ready to welcome Ukrainians seeking refuge from the war in their country."

“The Philippines pledged US$100K contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Humanitarian Flash Appeal for Ukraine,” it added.

On February 28, President Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order institutionalizing access to protection services for refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers.

Under the EO, the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit of the Department of Justice is tasked with examining and processing claims of refugee or stateless status.

On March 3, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said no Ukrainian citizen has sought asylum in the Philippines yet. 

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, causing millions to flee their homes—including more than 4.2 million Ukrainians who have left the country entirely, according to a report by Reuters.

The Philippines has been implementing mandatory evacuations after the DFA raised Alert Level 4 in Ukraine on March 7 due to the deteriorating security situation that threatens the safety of Filipinos there. —VBL, GMA News