AFP joins US in commemorating tragic 9/11 attacks 20 years ago

The Armed Forces of the Philippines joins the country's long-time ally the United States of America,  and the rest of the world in commemorating the bloodiest terrorist attack on US soil that left some 3,000 people dead on September 11, 2001.

In a statement on Sunday, AFP spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala said the tragic "incident has forever changed the security environment as well as strengthened international cooperation in fighting violent extremism and terrorism."

Also he said that since the tragedy two decades ago, Philippine forces have continued to adapt to the changing security landscape as threats evolve.

Likewise, Zagala said the AFP has adopted peace-building programs "based on the lessons learned from our shared experiences that seek to build resilient communities and protect vulnerable sectors."

These efforts have resulted in the greater trust, respect, and optimism of Filipinos in ensuring that the terrorist attack will never happen again.

The September 11, 2001 attacks by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group targeted four vital US institutions, including the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, and the  Pentagon.

Most of the approximately 3,000 people killed in the attacks were from the collapse of the Twin Towers. —LBG, GMA News