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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
No need to fear anti-terror law: Arroyo
By Stephen Capillas
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- "Permanent peace" and a 30 percent increase in budget for Mindanao were the promises made by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during a meeting Tuesday with local officials and delegates to the Mindanao Peace and Security Summit.
The President, accompanied by her Cabinet, security, and local officials, said there is a need to stop violence and isolate terrorists out to sow havoc in the country and the rest of the Asian region.
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She cited the anti-terror law or Human Security Act, which is scheduled for implementation this coming Sunday, as one way of maintaining peace in Mindanao.
Arroyo, in the meeting, also commended the collective output of summit delegates, particularly in the areas of economic security.
She said the people do not have to fear the anti-terror law, which according to her won't be used to crack down on critics and media outlets critical of the administration.
On the other hand, she said it was time to end the spate of killings of militants and journalists.
Prior to the President's arrival, a handful of militants staged a short protest action denouncing the law and calling for its immediate repeal.
Arroyo said the law would be used to stop communist rebels and terrorists.
"The Act is intended to ensure political stability in the region...it is especially significant in light of opposition in that while we disagree, there should be willingness to pursue peace and participate in the peace talks," she said.
The President said the country, particularly Mindanao, is in "the cusp of permanent peace" with confidence-building measures such as projects being implemented in the islands.
What's needed, she said, is the isolation of terrorists from the peace-loving residents of Mindanao.
"It is the military who will isolate these terrorists...I am also ordering the increase of security in vital installations in Mindanao," she said.
President Arroyo said aside from kidnappings and bombings, the terrorists attack government installations to cause brownouts and interrupt vital services.
"We are not only protecting ourselves from harm, but also our own way of life from the terrorists," Arroyo said.
The President, at the same time, promised that the 30 percent budget increase for Mindanao would be focused on agricultural projects.
To cut back on "red tape and pencil-pushing," Arroyo said they will transfer the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office to Davao City.
She appointed Mindanao Presidential Adviser Jess Dureza to spearhead the implementation of the projects in Mindanao. (Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (July 11, 2007 issue)
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