The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) commended the government’s position of welcoming Ukrainian refugees into the country.
According to Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, Vice-Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), the country’s desire to welcome refugees from Ukraine is good news.
“That is good news to our humanity. We have done that before and we did it successfully and fruitfully. We have welcomed the so-called boat people, those who fled the Indochina wars, in Morong Bataan,” Bishop Santos told Radio Veritas.
The Bishop, who is also the promoter of Stella Maris Philippines said the message after Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated that the Philippines is open to Ukrainian refugees.
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order no. 163, which mandates the provision of protection, reception, and care by the Government and the entire country to Refugees affected by the War.
“That will be our gift to give to the whole world,” Bishop Santos further said considering the initiative of the government as a blessing and gift of the Philippines not only to the people of Ukraine but also to the whole world.
The Bishop gave his assurance and support of his commission and the Stella Maris Philippines in case the country begins to accept the refugees from Ukraine.
In his pastoral statement for National Migrants Sunday, Bishop Santos said that they will continue to offer masses and prayers for fishermen and migrants from the threat and danger brought by the war.
“We have issued our pastoral statement about invasion in Ukraine praying for war to end, change of heart for those who called the war and protection of all especially migrants and seafarers. We, chaplains, are offering Holy Masses for conversion Russia to foster peace and to stop the invasion,” according to the Bishop’s message.
According to the latest United Nations records, more than 1-million refugees have fled from Ukraine due to other places due to the existing war between the two countries. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC)