NGOs tie up with ATC

MANILA, Philippines – To strengthen the Arroyo administration’s campaign against terrorism in the country, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) yesterday partnered with several non-government organizations for information gathering purposes.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary and ATC spokesperson Ricardo Blancaflor was joined by representatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the government side.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita is the ATC chairman.

The government representatives signed a manifesto with affiliates of the People’s Action and Response Against Terrorism (PARAT) composed of Sultan Sohaily Tanandato representing several Muslim groups, Efren de Luna for the transport sector, and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

PARAT spokesperson Melvin Mitra said the signing of the manifesto coincided with the anniversary of the Valentine’s Day bombing, when a passenger bus blew up along EDSA, Makati on Feb. 14, 2005.

Six persons died while about 90 were injured in the attack.

The group pledged to condemn all forms of terrorist actions; provide the government with vital information, if any is needed, that will lead to the apprehension of terrorists; and help the government in its information dissemination campaign to educate the public about its advocacy of peace and unity between Christians and Muslims.

Blancaflor highlighted the contribution of the NGOs in the campaign against terrorism. He said information given by the Muslim groups led to the capture of the suspects in the V-Day Bombing. “The government will not be successful without the help of these sectors.”

A Makati court convicted three of four suspects captured by the authorities, while another became a state witness. They are now detained at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa.