BANGKOK – Southeast Asian nations must “redouble” efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes “with finality” as well as hold accountable countries most responsible for climate change, President Duterte said last Saturday.
At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plenary summit in Bangkok, the President spoke about the challenges facing the regional bloc that must addressed to avoid disrupting growth and stability.
“Terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes continue to threaten our security. They divide our communities, destroy families, and undermine the growth we fought hard to achieve,” Duterte said.
Duterte, who has waged a controversial campaign against the narcotics trade in the Philippines amid allegations of rights abuses, also called for stronger regional cooperation to address the international problem of illegal drugs. “Illegal drugs, in particular, corrode the very fabric of our societies. We must redouble our collective efforts to counter these threats effectively and with finality,” he said.
The President pointed out the inequality in combating climate change, saying nations more responsible for the problem must be held accountable. “We must hold countries most responsible for climate change to account, to answer. We must adapt and build our resilience by advancing initiatives that care for the people and the environment,” he said.
Duterte likewise raised concern about the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as typhoon, drought, earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. “The cost is horrendous, especially for us in Southeast Asia: Displacement, destruction, and death. Real lives hang in the balance,” he said.
With the presence of millions of Filipinos workers in many countries, Duterte seized the opportunity to make a pitch for stronger protection of the rights and dignity of migrant workers. “As we facilitate people’s mobility, it is imperative that we promote and protect their rights, especially those who are vulnerable,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)