A TOP Palace official said that the fight against terrorism will not waver despite the existence of an unprecedented crisis.
In a speech during the celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day with the theme “Protecting the Defenseless in Times of Armed Conflict,” Presidential Human Rights Committee chair and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that while local terrorism worsens the existing pandemic and hinders the government’s efforts to effectively address it, the response to protect Filipinos from terrorist attacks will not waver.
“It is unfortunate that our on-going efforts to confront an unseen nemesis called COVID-19 are greatly encumbered by its seen counterpart called local terrorism. But our obligation as government to protect our people at all times, which IHL constantly reminds us of, inspires us to be strong and focused in bringing about healing and recovery in these difficult times,” Medialdea stated.
For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar has reiterated the government’s mission, assuring that the PNP has improved to prevent potential terrorist threats and attacks.
“We have been intensifying our presence in communities to deter these hostile groups from causing trouble,” Eleazar said.
“However, there are times that these (terrorist) groups manage to escape just like CPP/NPA rebel groups who harass humanitarian missions for individuals affected by the pandemic and other calamities,” the PNP Chief continued.
“We have strengthened our coordination with LGUs and even with the residents as the onus to fight against local terrorism is not only on the police and armed forces. We also need the cooperation and support of the public and the local government.,” Eleazar emphasized.