1k applying for refugee status in Philippines — DOJ

There are 1,000 individuals applying for refugee status or asylum in the Philippines, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday.

During the launch of the National Refugee Day 2026, DOJ-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (RSPPU) head and Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan said the applicants were predominantly from the Middle East and Africa.

“Behind every refugee application, asylum claim, or statelessness determination is a person seeking safety, certainty, and the opportunity to rebuild a life,” he said.

Chan also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to aid refugees.

“For decades the Philippines has opened its doors to people fleeing conflict and persecution. As a nation, we have chosen to respond not with indifference but with compassion and protection for those seeking refuge,” he said.

“This commitment remains steadfast today. Through the DOJ-RSPPU and our partners, we continue to pursue measures that strengthen protection mechanisms, promote inclusion, and provide pathways toward durable solutions for those who have been forcibly displaced or who are stateless,” he added.

Meanwhile, there are 1,000 recognized refugees in the country, according to Chan.

“The reason for their seeking asylum is the persecution that they are facing in their home country which can be by reason of religion, race, gender, political opinion or membership with a social group,” Chan said.

The 2026 National Refugee Day theme is Solutions in Motion: Rebuilding Futures Together.

Chan stressed that lasting solutions cannot be achieved by a single institution.

“They require cooperation among government agencies, international organizations, civil society, education institutions, local communities, and the private sector,” he said.

“Most importantly, they require the participation of refugees and stateless persons themselves whose experiences and resilience continue to guide our efforts,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News