Tuguegarao City”•Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, as president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), expressed support for the government’s efforts against terrorism, and in particular the Anti-Terrorism Bill that is up for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.
Cua said the government is taking the lead against terrorism, noting that the Philippines ranks ninth in “violent undertakings” across the globe according to the latest World Risk Index.
“The bill is widely talked about because it is relevant to the times. The Philippine government is trying to address and create such measures to protect the people taking note of the terrorist attacks right in the country,” Cua said.
“Generally, I would say that among the local executives, about 80 percent are supportive and have perceived the value and significance of the Anti-Terrorism Bill,” he added.
The governor admitted that some local executives have reservations, with the measure while others think it still needs development.
“While I understand the concerns of some people on the measure, any law may be imperiled to abuse, even the simplest ones, but that the government does its best to serve and protect the people,” Cua stressed during a video conference.
“Right in our province, we create jobs for the populace to give them a better quality of life and provided a locale where opportunities prosper for our residents,” he noted.
“We are promoting the province’s status as a vibrant economic hub for investors and local businesses. Part of our economic growth and variation strategy is to strengthen our tourism sector,” Cua said.
Thus, there is a need to safeguard and welcome investors and visitors, and create a buzz amongst adventurous and cultural tourists, Cua emphasized.
“The government must have the means and the capability to preempt, act accordingly, and secure our people,” he said.
Cua said it is obvious that terrorist attacks threaten public security and human lives.
ULAP is an umbrella organization of leagues of local government units (LGUs) and locally elected government officials.
