NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION IN

COMBATTING TERRORISM

 

There is no specific law on terrorism in the Philippines. However, there are at present two (2) pending bills on terrorism in Congress and the Senate.  These are the bills filed by Congresswoman Imee Marcos and Senator Panfilo Lacson.  So far what we have in place are two presidential issuances; Memorandum Circular 121 of October 31, 2000 that updated the government policies and procedures regarding terrorism, specially on hostage-taking situations and Memorandum Circular 37 of October 12, 2001 on the 14 pillars of policy and action of government to address the threat of terrorism. Hence, at the national level, the group contended that passage of the law on terrorism is the most urgent concern that the Philippine government must address.

 

The group also noted that even at the international and regional levels, the absence of any clear definition of terrorism prevents the community of nations to effectively combat this menace.

 

The syndicate group has therefore agreed to adopt an action plan which the national government is still in the process of developing that would address terrorism and its consequences nationwide. However, it was observed that any plan of action against terrorism must contain the following aspects to effectively combat the same.

 

 

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

 

·        Through its embassies and consulates abroad, DFA shall gather information and analyze the same for the purpose of enhancing foreign policies related to combating terrorism.

·        Regular exchange of information on suspicious bank accounts between the Philippines and other countries.

·        Disseminate information on terrorist threat of operational value on a real time basis.

·        Conduct periodic intelligence exchange through holding of conferences/meetings.

·        Obtain and compile a list of international terrorist groups that have successfully established cells in the Philippines.

·        Online dissemination of information relating to terrorism, such as thesis, newspaper clippings, and other studies should be made.

·        Activation of a loop center which will be a repository of all information intelligence on terrorism

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

  • Support legislation criminalizing acts of terrorism as a crime against humanity
  • Develop an integrated and coordinated mechanism for an effective and efficient prosecution of terrorists.
  • Harmonize all relevant policies, issuances, circulars etc. on terrorism

 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT MATTERS

 

  • Develop MOUs to facilitate cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies
  • Establish rules of engagement appropriate to local situation and sufficiently supported by legal foundation
  • Undertake threat assessment of government offices/installations that may be the subject of terrorist attack.
  • Formulate crisis management and contingency plans for implementation of concerned agencies.
  • Delineate functions of different law enforcement agencies.
  • Maintain pool of trained personnel for anti-terrorism operation.
  • Organize intelligence task force to provide over-all coordination in operational matters.

 

CAPACITY BUILDING

 

  • Develop doctrine on counter-terrorism
  • Acquire state of the art equipments to be at par with terrorist organization and identify the training requirements for each agency.
  • Avail the services of counter-terrorist experts both local and international for trainor’s training.

 

INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION

 

  • Consistent formulation and implementation of national policies, plans and programs relating to terrorism.
  • Enhance interoperability and synchronization of activities of government departments / agencies and instrumentalities, NGOs, Pos and civil society involved in addressing terrorism and its derivatives.

 

 

 

 

DATABASE DEVELOPMENT

 

  • Establishment of central terrorist incident management center
  • Procure new technical equipment for database build-up/development
  • Requiring agencies concerned to contribute current data available.

 

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

 

  • Enhance border cooperation agreements with other states.
  • Conduct regional / international simulation exercises with foreign counterparts.
  • Establishment of one regional agency that would monitor, handle and coordinate all issues pertaining to terrorism.
  • Conduct a comprehensive research, program and study to assess future threats.
  • Maximize linkages as regards the strategic forum

 

PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM

 

  • Conduct regular organization activities thru prints and media
  • Design communication plans and advocacy programs pertaining to anti-terrorism.
  • Conduct research, fora, informal dialogues among common people.
  • Require politician-candidates to have platforms on counter-terrorism and national security.
  • Develop out-reach program for local government units.

 

 

The syndicate group noted the existence of the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (COC-IS), chaired by the Executive Secretary, which is currently developing the National Plan to Address Terrorism and Its Consequences.  This National Plan will define the national framework, strategies and operational plans to address terrorism and its consequences to the political, economic and socio-cultural well being of the people.