MANILA— Only close cooperation among countries can nip the threat of terrorism in the bud.
This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during Tuesday’s briefing on the recently-concluded “Tempest Wind” exercises which was held in various locations in the Philippines and Hawaii from Sept. 18 to 26.
Around 1,200 personnel from both nations participated in the exercises which culminated in an anti-hijacking event in Clark Field, Pampanga where eight Filipino “ISIS-inspired terrorists” were portrayed as neutralized and around 162 airline passengers rescued.
“It is now, more than ever, that all countries must come together to unite against terrorism and violent extremism. the global war on terror cannot succeed if we do not explore avenues for cooperation and mutual exchanges,” he said.
Lorenzana also pointed out that as a community of nations, every country must do its fair share against terrorism since this problem go beyond borders and territorial boundaries.
“Violence in one country can spread to another, with far reaching consequences in regional peace, security, and trade,” the DND chief added.
And with the help of friends and allies like the US, Lorenzana said he is confident that this problem can be nipped in the bud before it grows and affects other parts of the country and the region.