House bill filed to boost country's defenses against biological, nuclear threats

A measure seeking to boost the country's capacity against threats involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and weapons has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero has filed House Bill 4458, which primarily aims to maintain and protect the safety of the future generation of the country by creating a strategic and integrated CBRN resiliency approach.

“The threat of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) materials and weapons is a global challenge. The Philippines, an archipelagic country with the vast coastline and porous borders, is vulnerable to different threats or risks to its population,” Romero said in the explanatory note of his bill.

“If these materials are used malevolently, or if the laboratories or facilities containing these CBRN materials have not followed safety and security protocols, the probabilities of exposing the Filipinos and the environment to grave threats and risks are increased,” he added.

CBRN materials are defined in the bill as those are used deliberately or intentionally by terrorists or criminals to cause harm.

Under the measure, the proposed CBRN resiliency approach will aim to prevent, control, respond, and/or manage the risk that may impact the welfare and safety of the Filipinos.

The measure will also establish a CBRN Authority under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The said body will take the lead in the formulation of policies, developing programs and strategies, and promulgate the guidelines to be implemented to further protect Filipinos against CBRN materials.

Romero believes that the passage of the law will add another level of security and safety for the Filipinos.

"Thus, passage of this CBRN House Bill is earnestly sought to maintain the safety and security of the present and future generations of Filipino," he said.—AOL, GMA News