The Philippines continues to be committed to the fight against terror and to ensuring the welfare and safety of all overseas Filipinos.

The Philippines has been fighting terrorism in all fronts long before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US and has scored notable successes, in partnership and cooperation with other countries.  We have decimated the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group and brought their remnants to justice.   Since terrorism respects no boundaries and there have been linkages between the local terrorists and other international terrorist groups, progress in the Government’s war against local terrorism has helped the international community’s campaign against terrorism.

The Department notes that some media reports have characterized certain statements made by foreign government officials as directly assailing recent decisions of the Philippines concerning Iraq.

As a matter of policy, and in order to avoid any misunderstandings, the Department always strives to clarify these matters through diplomatic channels.

With regard to the recent characterizations made by media concerning the statement made by foreign government officials, we have clarified through diplomatic channels that such statements do not refer to Philippines actions or policies in Iraq, but are statements of their own national policies.

Any characterization that such statement is directed to or is critical of the Philippine Government is misplaced.

It is our hope that unfair and baseless characterizations of such statements relating them to Philippine actions and policies can be avoided. END.