President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday defended the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the United Nations General Assembly, saying it is a necessary “legal framework” to fight terrorism in the country.
“The Marawi siege, where foreign terrorist fighters took part, taught us that an effective legal framework is crucial. Our 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act shores up the legal framework by focusing on both terrorism and the usual reckless response to it,” he said in the High-Level Debate of the 75th UNGA.
The most recent terrorist attack in the Philippine was the two consecutive bomb explosions in Jolo, Sulu in August that killed several soldiers and civilians and injured 40 others.
Aside from the Marawi siege in 2017, other terrorist attacks include the Jolo Cathedral attack in 2019, and the Davao City night market bombing in September 2016, among others.
Duterte stressed that the controversial anti-terrorism law adheres to UN resolutions related to fighting terrorism.
“Its enactment was done pursuant to our commitment, and the strict adherence to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy,” he said.
“The Philippines will do everything and partner with anyone who would sincerely desire to protect the innocent from terrorism in all its manifestations,” he said.
