(Eagle News) — The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia on Thursday agreed to “task senior officials to consider a proposed plan of action” that will counter terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a press conference after a meeting with his counterparts in Pasay that the proposal will discuss ways to:
- enhance efforts and cooperation in addressing the root causes and underlying conditions of extremism including but not limited to poverty, narcotics or illegal drugs, crime and social injustices
- enhance intelligence and information sharing among all security intel agencies for potential, imminent threats.
- further social economic development among the three countries especially in their adjoining areas
- stop the flow of terrorist financing
- contain the spread of terrorism and terrorism-related content in cyberspace, particularly social media
- prevent, suppress the terrorists’ exploitation of information and communication technology, and the determination of terrorist messages
- prevent and stop the flow of arms and arms smuggling as well as the movement of all terrorists
- consider provisions of present military, law enforcement agencies
- support trilateral cooperative agreement and others that aim to combat transnational crime
- review and implement all agreements on terrorism and violent extremism
- make a SWOT analysis, comparison of each others’ laws on terrorism with the aim of enhancing legislation
- counter the extremist narrative through education, community engagement, including the involvement of religious leaders, and the promoton of tolerance, moderation, unity and diversity
- explore initiatives that provide support for victims of terrorism
- promote rehabilitation and reintegration programs as part of comprehensive measures to counter terrorism
- protect and safeguard women, children, others from the influence of terrorism
“The ministers welcome the conduct later this year of meetings…(dealing with countering terrorism such as) the 11th (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministers’ Meeting on Transnational Crime, and the Special Asean Meeting on the Rise of Radicalization and Violent Extremism…,” he said after the meeting, which was held after a series of attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in Europe.
The international terrorist group Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in Britain, France and Germany.
The Philippines is also battling members from Maute and the Abu Sayyaf that have pledged allegiance to the international terrorist group.
According to Cayetano, the three countries noted that the “effective addressing” of transnational crimes “can only be achieved through a development of strategies and cooperation in security and intelligence on a regional scale.”
He said the next meeting would be held in Indonesia, Malaysia.
“My gratitude to the two ministers for making this a successful day,” he said, noting that his counterparts were in the country to “show solidarity” with the Philippines.
“(In times of need) we will also be there for you,” he said.
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