PAGADIAN CITY—US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas warned that the country’s southern areas would remain restricted to Americans unless a “consistent and reliable” security is enforced.
Thomas added that the US government would continue providing training aid for more efficient Filipino police and security capabilities against terrorism and criminality that has victimized some of its nationals in the past and the loss of lives of Filipino soldiers.
“Right now, I’d tell you, as the US ambassador to the Philippines, we will not be able to change that travel warning as long as there is a bomb that would explode, as long as there are reports of kidnapping,” he told 400 business and government leaders, and students and other local residents attending the 20th Mindanao Business Conference here on Thursday.
Thomas said security was primordial to move the activities and opportunities in Mindanao. He said teachers needed to be secured while traveling to their posts, businessmen to be assured that they would not be kidnapped, and shoppers not be extorted.
If the government and residents could restore security, Thomas said he may recommend two opportunities for the Philippines. “I hope that I could recommend to Washington, D.C., to recall the travel advisory and I hope I can recommend that we could send back the Peace Corps Volunteers and restore the partnership that we had 50 years ago.”
“Shoot at the stars, we may hit the moon,” he said.
For the meantime, the US has “invested more than ever in police training,” which was being done in Jolo, Sulu, in Cotabato City, and in Zamboanga City, “and soon in Basilan.”
A fact sheet provided by the US embassy said it has put up a “model police station” in Zamboanga City “to assist with training, policy development, best practices, and other development activities.”
A modern crime laboratory was being constructed at the regional headquarters of the National Police in Zamboanga City scheduled to be finished this year. Thomas said the laboratory would “help prosecute cases.”
“US civilian police experts from state and local law-enforcement agencies work closely with their Philippine counterparts to strengthen and professionalize police services,” the fact sheet said.
Thomas said that it was also helping the Philippine military “to confront terrorism” and to deny it a haven in Mindanao.
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By: Manuel Cayon
Source: Business Mirror, Sept. 8, 2011
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