Palace says gov’t not taking terrorism lightly

Malacañang on Thursday laid down the steps taken by the government to ensure peace and order in the country after the Philippines ranked high in a global survey of terrorism's impact this year.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2018 released by think tank Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) showed that the Philippines ranked 10th among countries most affected by terrorism, moving up two notches from the 2017 ranking.

The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian nation to be included in the top 10 worst performing countries on the GTI.

According to the report, terrorism-related incidents killed 326 people in the country last year, 35 percent of which were linked to the New People’s Army.

The report also cited the atrocities committed by the Abu Sayyaf group and the Maute group, whose attack on Marawi City in May last year triggered a five-month gun battle with security forces that left the city in ruins.

“Terrorism knows no time, geography or circumstances. No matter how prepared a country or its government is, damage will inevitably be incurred if terrorism befalls in a locality within its jurisdiction,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“Reports, such as the one issued by the IEP, are among the reasons why peace and order remains a primordial concern of the President.”

Panelo then cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s actions to combat rebellion and terrorism such as the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and its extension backed by Congress.

“Amid laudable efforts of our law enforcers on the ground to thwart rebellion, the latter remains and various groups continue to sow terror and chaos in Mindanao, with remnants of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Daulah Islamiyah, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members still struggling to pursue their goal of establishing an Islamic state and ousting the Philippine government,” Panelo said.

“This persistent and continuing threat to public safety has compelled the President to push for the extension of martial law in the region.”

Panelo also mentioned Memorandum Order 32 ordering the deployment of additional policemen and soldiers to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and the Bicol region to suppress lawless violence and acts of terror supposedly happening in these areas.

He also cited Executive Order 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict and the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.

He said the issuances form part of the Duterte administration’s “comprehensive approach in achieving inclusive and sustainable peace throughout the Philippines.”

“As one would expect, we are not taking terrorism lightly,” Panelo said.

“Our goal is to totally eradicate rebellion by crushing it as well as by providing better services and opportunities for all to achieve a state where there would no longer be a need for any uprising or armed struggle.”

Panelo said the President remains “focused and steadfast” in fulfilling his constitutional mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people amid “baseless denunciations by critics.” — BM, GMA News