PH cites 2020 ATA as valued tool in fight against terrorism at UNGA Sixth Committee opening

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 17, 2020): PH cites 2020 ATA as valued tool in fight against terrorism at UNGA Sixth Committee opening (By Alehia Therese V. Abuan) 

PARAÑAQUE CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) --The Philippines condemned terrorism “anywhere in the world however inspired” and said that the 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act shores up the legal framework by allowing prosecution of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and acts of terrorism.

At the opening of the main session of the Sixth Committee in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 06 October 2020, minister and legal adviser of the Philippine Mission to the UN Maria Angela Ponce said that the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act was done pursuant to the Philippines’ commitment and strict adherence to relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 1373 & 2178, and to the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

She stressed that the law mandates the State to uphold the basic rights and fundamental liberties of the people as enshrined in the Constitution.

Minister Ponce added that the Anti-Terrorism Act is complemented by the National Action Plan on Preventing & Countering Violent Extremism, which addresses underlying conditions that drive individuals to join violent extremist groups.

The Anti-Terrorism Act also strengthens the Philippines’ efforts on terrorist financing, in compliance with directives of the Financial Action Task Force, which set an October 2020 deadline for the Philippines to reform its anti-terrorism laws or face possible greylisting.

The Philippines also expressed support for UN Office of Counter-Terrorism “as a credible partner in the fight against terrorism”. As such, the Philippines is proceeding with its participation in the UN Countering Terrorist Travel Programme.

Minister Ponce also stressed the need to continue to work towards a Comprehensive Convention for Combating International Terrorism, which has been under consideration by the UN for over 20 years.

While noting that a state’s foremost responsibility is to “protect the law-abiding against the lawless; and the innocent against those who threaten their safety and wellbeing”, she added that “this must be done with strictest regard for human rights and the rule of law.”

The Sixth Committee is the primary forum for the consideration of legal questions in the General Assembly.

The full Philippine statement may be accessed here.#PHinUN #DFAinACTION DFA/PIA-NCR)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056279