Religion has nothing to do with terrorism, President Duterte said Wednesday in calling for stronger global effort to counter such security threat even during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the online meeting of the Jordan-led Aqaba Process, the President said Islam and other faiths promote love and peace, not hate and violence.

"Even as we are navigating ourselves out of this pandemic, the Philippines continues to confront security threats. Indeed, COVID-19 has not quarantined terrorists,” Duterte said.

"But let me clear about this: Religion has nothing to do with terrorism. All faiths - Islam included - teach us to love not hate; to build peace not destroy; and, to celebrate our common humanity and not trample on it with senseless and ruthless violence," he said.

Recognizing the lingering security threats, the President has called on world nations to ensure there is "no room for the barbarity of terrorists and extremists forces." He said they must be "stronger" and "not let up" in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

Citing the country's situation, Duterte said Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the New People’s Army have exploited the health crisis and continued their nefarious activities.

"We will not allow COVID-19 to bring our people to their knees," Duterte said during the international meeting organized by King Abdullah II of Jordan on security challenges emerging in light of the pandemic.

Duterte made the pitch for intensified anti-terrorism efforts after two deadly bombings hit Jolo, Sulu, a suspected stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, on August 24. At least 15 people, including soldiers, were killed and dozens wounded when two blasts ripped through the main town of Jolo.

It was considered the biggest attack in Sulu since January 2019 when two bombs exploded at the Jolo cathedral that killed 20 people and injured dozens more.