The Philippines
Oscar F. Valenzuela, Acting Executive Director of the
Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center, said the threats
of terrorism persist in the Asia Pacific region as well as in other countries.
“We live in a very complex world, one which is increasingly
becoming more dangerous. Terrorism disrupts the normal and peaceful way of
living of our people. It disrupts how we conduct our business, the way we
travel,” he said during the opening of the 6th APEC Counter-Terrorism Working
Group (CTWG) Meeting held here.
He recognized that a threat like terrorism is difficult to
combat given its unconventional nature in the way they act.
“Yet, we must not falter. We must be as determined as they
are to protect our citizens and our peaceful way of life. We have the
knowledge, we have the necessary tools, to engage them head on,” said
Valenzuela, the current Chair of the CTWG.
“We must continue to adjust our security procedures,
innovate and stay one step ahead. We must learn to think out of the box against
an enemy which constantly changes as far as tactics are concerned,” he added.
Valenzuela underscored the need for the 21-member economies
of APEC to unite and help each other in the fight against terrorism which is a
key component in building sustainable and resilient communities, one of the key
priorities of the regional economic forum.
“Our economies cannot do it alone. It is in organizations
and fora like the APEC where we can collaborate and cooperate. We have the
opportunity to make a difference in this battle to keep the peace,” he noted.
The CTWG is holding its 6th meeting here on Sept. 1-2 as
part of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) III meetings.
The Working Group has activities which are done in the four
cross-cutting activity areas of the APEC Counter-Terrorism and Secure Trade
Strategy: secure supply chains, secure travel, secure finance and secure
infrastructure.
These are specifically aimed at addressing security concerns
that can potentially hamper trade and business.
Security of trade covers many aspects, from
non-proliferation and export control measures, border control, and security in
the transport of goods and people among others.
“Strengthening the security aspect of trade and business
will greatly contribute to the stability and productivity in economic relations
between APEC member states. If security of trade measures are not taken or
given adequate importance, then it will leave the APEC members vulnerable to
certain elements who may seek to disrupt commerce or take advantage of the
system to advance their cause or even for their own personal gain,” said a
statement released by the APEC media group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=799154
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.