By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday announced that the United States government has committed to provide the Philippines with PHP300 million to enhance the country’s intelligence gathering capabilities.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo welcomed this development and described it as proof of strong ties between long-time allies, the Philippines and US.
“We welcome the United States’ commitment in fighting terrorism. This shows that our military alliance with the United States remains strong,” Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo, who described terrorism as “the new evil in the world that strikes at every country”, said the Philippines could use assistance from United Nations (UN) member countries in efforts to fight terrorism.
“We need all the help as every member-country in the United Nations needs the assistance and cooperation of each other to combat and crush terrorism,” he added.
Panelo said that government continues to ensure the safety of all Filipinos especially during attacks perpetuated by terrorist groups.
“Our armed forces are relentlessly pursuing the mass murderers even as some of them have been criminally charged and presently detained. We assure the nation that security for our people have been enhanced,” Panelo said.
Meanwhile, Panelo pointed out that despite recent bombings in Mindanao, Filipinos were not cowed and still participated in the plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“While the terroristic acts have created fear and anxiety in the inhabitants of the region, they however refused to be intimidated and cowed as they exercised their right of suffrage in the just concluded plebiscite,” Panelo said.
He also urged Filipinos anew to report to the authorities any suspicious act by any person or group of persons in their communities that may endanger their lives.
