6 October 2003, ASEAN Summit, Bali, Indonesia – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad today reiterated their commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia in the fight against trans-border crimes and
international terrorism.  The Secretary made this statement as reports continued to come in regarding the details involving the 10 people kidnapped from the Borneo Paradise Resort on the River Sabahan in eastern Sabah state.

“During the dinner tonight for the leaders of ASEAN attending the 9th ASEAN Summit here in Bali, Indonesia, President Arroyo had the opportunity to briefly discuss this matter with Prime Minister Mahathir,” Secretary Ople said.  “President Arroyo and Prime Minister Mahathir reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their cooperation in fighting trans-border crimes and international terrorism,” Secretary Ople added.

“The reiteration of this commitment manifests our common desire to fight terror and crime.  It is only through this cooperation that we can put an end to criminals and terrorists who crisscross our boundaries to carry out their despicable acts,” Secretary Ople said.

“The President has also instructed me to coordinate with my counterpart, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, in ensuring that we cooperate and coordinate our efforts on this case.  I intend to raise this matter with Minister Albar, who is also here in Bali,” the Secretary added.

“I have also spoken to our Ambassador to Malaysia, Ambassador Romualdo Ong, and he is in constant contact with Malaysian authorities on this case,” the Secretary said.  The Secretary added that he hopes to shortly receive clarifications on conflicting reports as to the nationalities of the victims and the kidnappers involved in this incident. “This incident happened less than 24-hours ago and who hope to get more definitive information and a clearer picture as to the victims and perpetrators of this dastardly crime.”

“The Philippine Government will spare no effort to apprehend the kidnappers and safe the victims, if they are to be found within Philippine territory.  We will not allow our territory to be used by criminals and terrorists to attack our neighbors,” the Secretary added. - END