MALACANANG on Monday took exceptions to allegations describing Mindanao as a “terror hotspot” following reports that the shooters in Bondi Beach, Australia had traveled to the Philippines.
In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the claims were not only unvalidated by intelligence, but it were also “deeply unjust to the peace-loving people of Mindanao.”
“Such narratives ignore the monumental strides we have made in transforming the region from a theater of conflict into a bastion of peace and development,” Galvez said.
He also extending deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the Bondi Beach incident.
“We stand in solidarity with the Australian people, calling for global healing and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life,” Galvez added.
“However, we must firmly address and reject the misleading insinuations branding Mindanao as a “terror hotspot” following reports regarding the perpetrators’ travel history,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., earlier strongly rejected the recent misleading claims “that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism.”
“For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace. To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable,” the President said during the 90th founding anniversary of the AFP.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said “a mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training and the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training.”
“We call upon the international media to exercise discernment and responsibility. Branding an entire region based on the transient movements of individuals creates dangerous generalizations that unfairly stigmatize a population that has sacrificed so much for stability.” Galvez said.
“Let us not allow unverified reporting to undermine our hard-won gains or sow division. We must focus on healing and reconciliation, ensuring that our shared future is built on truth and the protection of our common humanity,” he added.
