DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                             2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                        Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-500-07                                                                                                                                                       27 June 2007

US NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR STEPHEN HADLEY CONGRATULATES RP FOR SUCCESS IN FIGHTING TERRORISM  

27 June 2007 — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, during his remarks as one of the special guests at a reception commemorating the 40th anniversary of ASEAN on 21 June 2007 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, commended the Philippines, along with Indonesia, for recent operational successes against terrorist groups in the region. 

Speaking before a large crowd of diplomats, government officials and representatives from the private sector and NGOs, Secretary Hadley congratulated ASEAN for its enduring success as a regional organization and noted its importance, success and value in the region in terms of promoting a secure and stable environment and in fueling economic growth and development for ASEAN members and its partners. 

While congratulating ASEAN on its efforts to address regional threats and terrorism, particularly the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah and its various local affiliates in the region such as the Abu Sayyaf, Secretary Hadley made special mention of the recent successful operations conducted respectively by the Philippine and Indonesian security forces that led to the arrest, capture or deaths of key leaders of terrorist groups in the region and congratulated the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia for their respective achievements while at the same time acknowledging the valuable role of their partnership with the United States on the global war on terrorism. 

Commenting on Secretary Hadley’s remarks, Ambassador Gaa said, “Though not much is publicly said of the important achievements and successes of the Philippines and its regional neighbors in the fight against terrorism, especially against the Jemaah Islamiyah and their allies, it is apparent from Secretary Hadley’s remarks that the US government is well aware and appreciative of the positive actions we are undertaking in cooperation with them on the war on terrorism.”  

He further added, “I believe that the approach we have been taking in fighting terrorism in the Philippines, an approach that is anchored on a robust socio-economic development program aimed at addressing the roots of the conflict, has proven to be quite effective.”  END

/jay

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