Rody says extremism would “put a end” in PH growth

FILE: President Rodrigo Duterte KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte said extremism and other non-traditional security issues have no boundaries, saying it would “put a dent” in growth and will disrupt the stability of global and regional commerce.

“These and other issues are high on the agenda of our meetings along with the other non-traditional security issues that challenge the prosperity of our economies, the integrity of our institutions, and more importantly, the safety of our people,” Duterte said on the opening of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

Apart from the security concerns, the president said he is pleased to state that ASEAN member states have agreed on the protection and promotion of rights of migrant workers.

“I will be joining other ASEAN leaders tomorrow in signing this landmark document that with strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment,” Duterte said.

“Other deliverables that will see the fruition include those concerning health, women and the youth, terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism, trafficking, poverty alleviation, food security, coastal and marine environment, and the pursuit of innovation for our economies, among others,” he added.

Duterte also expressed gratitude to ASEAN countries and dialogue partners for giving aid to the affected families in Marawi City.

“Our ASEAN brothers provided support by sending relief items for the benefit of the internally displaced persons while others provided valuable assistance and bolstered our military campaign…Today, we continue our discussions on how to further consolidate our efforts and our shared aspirations toward an ASEAN Community that is truly rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered,” he said.

“Moving forward to ensure the ASEAN’s viability, a new set of three C’s — community, centrality, and connectivity — will define the work and effort needed to ensure the success of our community-building process and our interaction with external partners,” Duterte added.