This is an article repost.
MANILA, Philippines – After the US State Department reported the weakening of the ability of terrorist and militant groups to launch attacks in the country, Malacañang hoped for a modification of travel advisories to the Philippines.
In an interview with radio station dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte yesterday said the government would take the development as an “encouragement” to improve its efforts against terrorism.
“We would hope for a modification but it is something left to them (US and other countries), they are the ones issuing a travel advisory and update every six months,” Valte said.
“At least we are able to show that we are serious about the safety and security of our country,” she added.
Valte said President Aquino pushed for amendments to the Human Security Act in the last meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to address the weaknesses in the enforcement of the anti-terror law.
Valte said Aquino has called for the lowering of the fine of P500,000 imposed on police officers for the wrongful capture and detention of suspected terrorists because it prevents law enforcement agencies from doing their job.
“It’s too strong. It defeats the purpose already. And in the case of surveillance, the proposal is to remove the notice. Again it defeats the purpose of surveillance if they know they are being monitored,” Valte said. “Hopefully our lawmakers in Congress will see these (provisions) and the need to complement our efforts in counterterrorism,” she said.
The US State Department also cited a weak money laundering law as a hindrance to anti-terror operations through freezing of their assets.
It said capturing the true picture of terrorism in the Philippines remained difficult as “kidnappings, grenade attacks, and other acts of violence often seem indiscriminate and most remain unsolved.”
Valte also said the incident involving the killings of seven Marines in Sulu was unfortunate and that concerns about the peace and security in Mindanao are being acted upon.
“We are not saying that we have it down pat… that it’s perfect, that the system is perfect. So we just continue to improve the system. But when we hear reports that (the situation) is getting better, we take it as further encouragement to improve the whole system,” Valte said.
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By: Aurea Calica
Source: The Philippine Star, Aug. 21, 2011
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