THE Philippines has affirmed its commitment to the global fight against terrorism, including preventing and countering violent extremism, and in the campaign against illegal drugs and human trafficking, during the 33rd United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Vienna in Austria.
The Philippines was represented in the event by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) yesterday.
Abalos, in his message during the event, called for global cooperation as he underscored the “urgent need for a robust international response to effectively address” terrorism.
“We believe that comprehensive and enhanced collaborative approaches and efforts are needed to disrupt terrorist financial networks, recruitment, and movement,” he said as he called for stronger information-sharing mechanisms between law enforcement agencies, as well as regional and international cooperation and collaboration in combating terrorism.
Abalos also said that the world can rely on the Philippines in the fight against illegal drugs.
He said that under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., campaign against illegal drugs in the Philippines has improved, citing the “seizing of over $587 million worth of prohibited drugs in the first two years of the incumbent administration.”
Abalos said the success was achieved “with minimal loss of life,” pointing to the Marcos government’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) project.
“Because of the project, the Philippines has seen a significant decrease in drug related cases as the government upholds the importance of holistic crime prevention approaches rooted in community engagement and wellness,” he said.
He also said the government continues to take significant steps to enhance the criminal justice processes, such as the introduction of the “reasonable certainty of conviction” standard by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pursuing criminal cases, empowering of the country’s prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies particularly on its active participation in investigation and the build-up of cases before they are lodged before courts, and enhancing the cooperation among law enforcement agents.
Aside from terror and illegal drugs, Abalos said the Philippines is also committed to eradicating human trafficking and human smuggling which he said is a violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of all.
He said the Philippines has been actively implementing various programs in the prevention of trafficking, protection of victims, and prosecution of offenders, and has also partnered with different national, regional, and international organizations to strengthen the government’s programs.
“We have strengthened information sharing exchange on measures to reduce women’s and children’s vulnerability to trafficking in persons, and further strengthened regional and international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases, including through direct channels of communication and intelligence exchange,” he said.
Abalos also reiterated the Philippines’ bid to have a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
He said that if elected, the Philippines will serve its duty with a “deep dedication to a peaceful, just and equitable international order that is key to the flourishing of each of our nation’s aspirations for our peoples.”
During the same event, Abalos raised the Philippine’s concerns about the rapid increase of cyber crimes, including online scams, data breaches, and cyber attacks.
He said that a united global front is essential to effectively combat transnational crime, corruption, and terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
“We recognize the importance of a safe and secure cyberspace for our citizens and businesses, and we are committed to combating cyber crime without hindering the freedom of expression or online innovation. We call for a robust anti-corruption framework with strong legal and institutional safeguards by promoting public institutions’ transparency and accountability and fostering a culture of integrity within society,” he said.
He added that a safer and more just world for all will be created by fostering international cooperation, providing technical assistance, and strengthening legal frameworks.
