Duterte asked: Make good promise to Rohingyas

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Leila de Lima on Wednesday challenged President Rodrigo Duterte to make good his previous statements on the government’s willingness to take in Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

“If Mr. Duterte is really concerned for the Rohingya refugees, he will keep his word to accept and help them,” she said.

De Lima said that while the President had mentioned his willingness to accept the Rohingyas, his administration had thrice rejected a draft UN resolution censuring Myanmar for its treatment of the mostly Muslim residents of Rohingya state.

In a speech in April 2018, Duterte said he was open to provide a safe refuge for the Rohingyas, describing the crackdown against them by the Myanmar government as “genocide.”

—Marlon Ramos