Security gamble: The risks of hosting US-linked Afghans in PH

THE Marcos government recently acceded to a US request to "temporarily" accommodate Afghans who are seeking special immigrant visas (SIVs) for resettlement in the United States. These individuals are not refugees per se but were integral collaborators who aided the US during its nearly two-decadelong invasion, subsequent occupation, military operations and presence in Afghanistan. Their close association with American forces has placed them at risk of retaliation from the Taliban, especially following the militant group's return to power in August 2021 after the US withdrawal in May 2021. Hence, the US government established the SIV program as a pathway for these individuals and their families to resettle in the US. However, instead of processing these visas on American soil, the US has arranged for the Philippines to host these Afghans temporarily while awaiting visa approvals.

The arrangement approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. permits the temporary accommodation of Afghan refugees in a secure facility within the Philippines, managed or under the control of US authorities. The US government is responsible for covering all costs associated with their stay, including food, housing, transportation, etc. The facility's exact location has not been publicly disclosed for operational security reasons. Accordingly, these Afghans are expected to remain within this US-managed and -controlled facility throughout their stay, with their movements restricted to necessary consular appointments at the US Embassy in Manila.