GMA rallies international community in fight vs terror

CEBU — President Arroyo called on Asia Pacific countries to put up a common front in the fight against terrorism and promote greater cooperation among nations in the region in stamping out the global menace.

Mrs. Arroyo told the 10th anniversary conference of the APEC Business Advisory Council here that the countries in the Asia-Pacific region should not let their guard down against possible terrorist attacks and face the reality of the "transboundary nature" of terrorism, epidemics, natural disasters and threats to the security of energy and mineral resources.

"We cannot deal with the threats alone. We must work with other countries and international institutions if we are determined to successfully address and eliminate them," she said.

The President made the statement following the foiled bomb attack in London which triggered a heightened alert that forced airports in Asia and around the world to impose tighter security measures.

"By pushing for a convention on counter-terrorism, we will advance teamwork in the fight against (this) evil," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The President rallied the delegates for broader talks among countries to come up with more effective measures to fight terrorism.

"By pushing for a convention on counterterrorism, we will advance teamwork in the fight against evil. By engaging our neighboring region, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we will widen our reach," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier tasked her security officials to coordinate efforts with their international counterparts to determine the extent of the bomb plot preempted in London.

She said the efforts could shore up intelligence over the possible terror targets.

"Here we need to do target hardening, police visibility...We are already used to fighting terrorism and we are fighting terrorism right now in Sulu," Mrs. Arroyo said, referring to the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines.

The President noted the importance of alertness and cooperation among the citizens all the time.

"The whole world is vulnerable. Terrorism is an international evil and they only have to be successful once (while) we have to be successful 100 percent of the time, so the whole world is vulnerable and we must all work together," Mrs. Arroyo said.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said "indeed, the price of peace and freedom is eternal vigilance."

"The threat of terrorism knows no boundaries and we call on our citizens, here and around the world, to exercise caution and watchfulness while remaining calm and composed," Bunye said.