The Philippine government is ready to cooperate with global efforts to combat terrorism as it remained alert in preventing threats that may affect public safety in the country.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. shared the country’s solidarity in the anti-terrorism campaign after US President Barack Obama called on nations to unite against the menace in the wake of the deadly attacks in Brussels.
“The Philippines stands in solidarity with all the nations in the world that condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as declared by President Aquino and fellow heads of state at the APEC summit in Manila last year and at similar global fora,” Coloma said.
“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and all security agencies continue to monitor closely all threats that impinge upon our people’s safety and well-being,” he added.
Obama earlier called for world unity in fighting terrorism after the deadly explosions in Brussels, saying wiping out the Islamic State extremist group was his “top priority.”
Dozens of people were recently killed in brazen terrorist attacks at the Brussels airport and metro station, triggering a worldwide alert against the threat of violent extremism.
“The world has to be united against terrorism and we can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security not only of our own people but of people all around the world. So that is the top priority of ours,” the US leader said.
Obama also said the United States is prepared to offer any assistance in the investigation of the Brussels attacks and attackers to justice. “We will also continue to go after ISIL aggressively until it is removed from Syria and removed from Iraq and is finally destroyed,” he said.
Apart from intensified security measures, Coloma acknowledged that the Aquino government has also carried out steps to promote opportunities for growth to deter persons from being radicalized and joining any terrorist movement.
