Philippines Strengthens Refugees, Stateless Persons Protection: Unified, Humane, Accountable Approach

Philippines Strengthens Refugees, Stateless Persons Protection: Unified, Humane, Accountable Approach

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | November 7, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched a landmark inter-agency initiative to strengthen the Philippines’ approach to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, collectively known as Persons of Concern (POCs). This pioneering effort aims to foster a unified, consistent, and humane response across government institutions.

Spearheaded by the Bureau of Immigration Protection Unit for Persons of Concern (BIPU-POC), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Department of Justice Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), a four-day intensive training was conducted from October 19 to 22, 2026, in Batangas City. 

The program brought together 62 BI personnel from various offices nationwide, marking a critical step in the national implementation of BI Memorandum Circular No. 2025-007, which outlines operational rules and guidelines for POCs.

The training rigorously focused on enhancing participants’ comprehension of the legal framework and operational protocols governing POC matters, encompassing entry, registration, residency, departure, referrals, and immigration proceedings. 

A key objective was to standardize policy implementation, ensure consistent decision-making, and strengthen inter-agency coordination.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado underscored the initiative’s role in fortifying the Bureau’s capacity to process POC cases in strict adherence to applicable laws and international protection standards.

“Our approach to Persons of Concern transcends routine immigration rules,” Viado stated. “It demands a deep understanding of the legal landscape, robust and uniform procedures, seamless coordination among offices and partner agencies, and unwavering respect for the rights and individual circumstances of each person. These principles must guide our personnel to ensure every case is handled lawfully, fairly, and with humanity.”

Atty. Ruben Casibang Jr., Chief of BIPU-POC, articulated the three guiding principles for the Bureau’s engagement with POCs: respect, commitment, and compassion.

“Respect entails grasping the unique circumstances of every Person of Concern. Commitment signifies serving with utmost diligence, efficiency, effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Compassion means acknowledging the individual challenges faced by those under our care,” Casibang elaborated. “These tenets are fundamental to how we execute our duties and deliver our services.”

The program also provided an operational overview of BIPU-POC’s mandate, functions, and coordination mechanisms. Through engaging case-based discussions and shared experiences, participants analyzed frontline challenges and clarified their specific roles and responsibilities.

Experts from BIPU-POC, UNHCR, and DOJ-RSPPU led discussions on the pertinent legal framework, core protection principles, and operational procedures. The BI Learning and Development Section provided vital support for the activity.

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