The Philippines expressed support for the victims of terrorism and took pride in adopting measures to ensure that justice is meted to those who perpetrate such crimes, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

(Photo courtesy of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo)

In his message for the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on Monday, Aug. 21, the official credited the country for an “integrated process” that terrorism victims and their families would be able to find justice.

“The Philippines has adopted measures not only to counter and prevent terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism, but also to ensure that their root causes are sufficiently addressed and that their victims, as well as the families of their victims, are able to find justice in an integrated process that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief said.

Recognizing that peace plays a critical role in sustainable development, he stressed that this is the thrust of the Philippine Development Plan, which “pursues an inclusive, transparent, people-centered, and human rights-based peace and security policy.”

On the international front, Manalo welcomed “the increasing attention to, and sharpening of the agenda on, the rights and needs of victims and survivors of terrorism,” as well as the strengthening of international cooperation, including the provision of technical assistance to States.

“As much work remains to be done in advancing the rights of victims of terrorism, the Philippines remains fully committed to efforts toward empowering victims, including their families and communities, and enabling them to participate actively in and contribute meaningfully to relevant policy discussions in national, regional and international arenas,” he added.

Meanwhile, the British Embassy in Manila also posted on X (formerly Twitter) about joining the global community in remembering the victims of terrorism.

“We stand united against all forms of terrorism, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by these acts of violence,” the embassy said.

According to a statement from the United Nations (UN), the theme for this year’s remembrance is “Legacy: Finding Hope and Building a Peaceful Future.”

Aside from paying their respect to the victims of terrorism, the UN said the day is also to “pay tribute to the extraordinary work of those victims and survivors who have resolved to use their experiences to bring about change.”