FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE AGAINST THE THREAT OF TERROR

 Statement of the Honorable Dr. Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

On the Occasion of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism
Jakarta , Indonesia , 06 March 2007

The Philippines and five neighboring countries – Indonesia , Australia , Malaysia , Singapore and Thailand – have agreed to work closer together for the common defense against the threat of terror.  Here, in the Jakarta Sub-Regional Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism, we have reaffirmed our resolve to be unyielding in our determination to deter and defeat the terrorists on all fronts.  

The participating countries congratulated the Philippines for our sustained successes in fighting the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.  In the Philippines , we have drawn the line against terror – effectively blocking the aspirations of extremists to establish a pan-Asian caliphate – and preventing the spread of extremism and terror to the rest of the Asia Pacific.  

Our successes spring from our counter-terrorism policy, which is built on three pillars.  The first pillar is to pursue a broad, comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, with both “hard” and “soft” components.  

The “hard” components are aimed at neutralizing the armed capabilities of the terrorists, decimating their leadership, and cutting their links to foreign support.  

The “soft” components, on the other hand, focus on isolating the terrorists from the people, providing humanitarian assistance and improving development.   

Interfaith dialogue to build mutual trust, understanding and confidence is another one of the key “soft” components.  Such dialogues at the local level have successfully deepened bonds of friendship and cooperation between communities of different faiths.   

It is also part of the thrust of President Arroyo to enhance national respect for the culture and traditions of the Filipino Muslim community.  Along these lines, the President made Eidul-Fitr, the feast which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, into a national holiday in November 2002.  

The Jakarta conference is an important activity under the third pillar.  It provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange views and share experiences on how best to fight the terrorists.   

Since terrorism is a global problem, no country can tackle it alone.  We need cooperation among different countries.  Every time we meet, therefore, we reinforce our united front in the fight against terrorism and send a resounding signal to all that we will not yield in the war on terror.  

I also told the Conference that the Philippines will not fight this war at the expense of human rights or the rule of law.  The Philippines is a democracy and we will not give the terrorists a victory by abandoning those democratic values.  

The Human Security Act of 2007, passed by the Philippine Congress last month, is both necessary anti-terror legislation and a protector of human rights.  Under it, those detained are entitled to see a lawyer, a priest, a doctor and family members.  Those who arrest them are obliged to immediately inform a judge.  Such liberality does not exist in other nations.  

President Arroyo will sign the Human Security Act of 2007 into law today.  Swift executive action on this important initiative reflects the high importance the President places on defending Philippine democracy and freedom.   

Warrantless detention in the Philippines is possible for only three days.  Contrast this to the 28 days allowed in the United Kingdom , the Mother of Parliaments, or in the 14 plus 14 days allowed in Australia .  There is no denying that human rights remain at the center of our concerns even as we must defend the country from terrorists.  

I also held talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda and Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to advance our respective bilateral agendas.  

My Indonesian counterpart and I reaffirmed the strength of the Philippines-Indonesia bilateral partnership in all fields, including counter-terrorism and the MNLF peace process.  I expressed appreciation to Foreign Minister Wirajuda for Indonesia ’s continued support as Chairman of the Committee of the Eight of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to oversee the implementation of the MNLF peace agreement.  We also agreed on the importance of starting official bilateral maritime boundary negotiations.  

Foreign Minister Downer and I reviewed the increasingly close relations between the Philippines and Australia .  We looked forward to the convening of the 2^nd Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) in the Philippines , and to the landmark State Visit of President Arroyo to Australia this year. END

/jay

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