Message of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

21 August 2023  – The Philippines joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

The Philippines recognizes that ensuring peace and security is an essential foundation of sustainable development and, through the Philippine Development Plan, pursues an inclusive, transparent, people-centered, and human rights-based peace and security policy.

The Philippines has adopted measures not only to counter and prevent terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism, but also to ensure that their root causes are sufficiently addressed and that their victims, as well as the families of their victims, are able to find justice in an integrated process that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

On the international front, we welcome the increasing attention to, and sharpening of the agenda on, the rights and needs of victims and survivors of terrorism. We also welcome the strengthening of international cooperation including the provision of technical assistance to States.

As much work remains to be done in advancing the rights of victims of terrorism, the Philippines remains fully committed to efforts toward empowering victims, including their families and communities, and enabling them to participate actively in and contribute meaningfully to relevant policy discussions in national, regional and international arenas. END