FB MINEX FB MINEX FB MINEX Twitter Minex ISSUU Minex Press Reader Minex YouTube Minex

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Anti-terror bill to protect Filipinos vs. 'dangers of terrorism'

TWO PROVINCIAL  governors and a city mayor in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) have thrown their support to the proposed anti-terrorism bill, saying the measure would ensure the protection of the people against the dangers of terrorism.   


In separate statements on Tuesday, Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu, North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco, and Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said that if passed, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would serve as a major deterrent against terrorist acts across the country.

Mangudadatu said all elected officials of the province, together with members of the provincial peace and order council, are unanimous in supporting the bill.

“We recognize the need to have this in our midst to confront the threats posed by terrorism to ensure the protection of the general public against fear, danger, panic, or chaos,” the Sultan Kudarat manifesto said.

“This bill will be a potential deterrent to the future terrorist as they will know that it is no longer possible to commit an attack and escape without being charged,” it added.

Catamco, meanwhile, described terrorism as real and global.

“Anti-terrorism measure protects lives and properties,” she said. “It fosters the needed environment in achieving over-all development for our people.”

Citing how she witnessed terrorists sow fear among North Cotabato residents, Catamco said the violent and ugly tentacles of terrorism are threats to people of all races, colors, and creeds.

“It respects no territorial boundaries and ruins the gains of each society,” she said, adding that the anti-terror bill “is a strategic framework towards a peaceful and progressive community.”

Earlier, Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu expressed her full support for the bill, saying Maguindanaons would benefit more if it becomes a law.

“Maguindanao and its people are one of the most affected areas in the country due to terrorism and because of that, it is but right and logical that its officials and its inhabitants will support the proposed anti-terrorism act,” Sangki-Mangudadatu, wife of the Sultan Kudarat governor, said.

She said Maguindanaons must support the bill to put an end to fear and anxiety that have been hounding them for so long.

Meanwhile, Guiani-Sayadi said the bill would put a stop to the continuing threats of terrorism, especially in this part of the country.

“People have been perennially living with the fear that their situation prevents them from making the most of their time and from exercising their rights to the fullest,” she said in a statement, referring to the stigma brought by terrorism.

“So I, and all our barangay chiefs, support the bill for we believe that this could pave the way for a brighter future of us and all the future generations that will come after us,” Guiani-Sayadi added. (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)


No comments:

Post a Comment