PH Shares Successes in Fight Against Terrorism and Drug Trafficking at a High-Level Security Conference in Russia
SOCHI 03 May 2018 – Deputy Director General Vicente M. Agdamag of the National Security Council shared the government’s successes in the fight against terrorism in Marawi and anti-illegal drugs campaign at the 9th International Meeting of High-Level Officials Responsible for Security Matters held in Sochi, Russia on 24-26 April 2018
This annual meeting is organized by the Security Council of the Russian Federation and attended by top officials of national security councils and law enforcement agencies. This year more than 100 countries sent representatives to Sochi to exchange views on strategic issues and transnational threats, particularly terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity.
DDG Agdamag stated that Philippine security forces thwarted the establishment of an Islamic State wilayat (province) in Southeast Asia after a five-month battle against the ISIL-linked Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group.
He further noted that notwithstanding this major victory, the Philippines remains vigilant and committed to international cooperation given the possibility of ISIS fighters regrouping in other regions, including Southeast Asia, following their defeat in Iraq and Syria.
DDG Agdamag likewise talked about the government’s comprehensive approach to combatting drug trafficking, combining law enforcement and public health strategies. He highlighted that from July 2016 to February 2018, 1.3 million individuals have already surrendered and are currently undergoing rehabilitation. 14,046 have received technical and livelihood training.
Joining DDG Agdamag in the meeting were Third Secretary and Vice Consul Luningning G. Camoying of the Philippine Embassy and May Haydee Fatima Serona, National Security Research Specialist of the National Security Council. END
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