Tag: Marawi

Speeches, Videos

Message at the Online Workshop Launching the Project, “Examining the Current Trends and Prospects of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia”

President Sittie Aliah Lumbao, Sittie NB Pasandalan, to the members, officers, and partners of the Association of Lady Shari’ah Counselors-At-Law of the Philippines Inc (ALSCAP) who made this event possible, good morning to all.

Violent extremism is complex by nature, occurs in all societies and is not bound by religion, race, or social class. While it is mostly grounded in the name of ideologies, beliefs, and faiths, the drivers of extremism are evolving. There remains no universal explanation and hence, no universal response to this dilemma across the community of nations.

One thing is certain: How the government reacts to the presence of violent extremism determines the extent and magnitude of its spread in our country. In theory, extremism instantly refers to unrestrained fear, danger, and coercion. Yet again, there is no better way of characterizing so than witnessing the acts firsthand, within our borders.

Continue reading “Message at the Online Workshop Launching the Project, “Examining the Current Trends and Prospects of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia”” →

Speeches, Videos

Discussing the Anti-Terrorism Bill Before the Rotary Club of Manila

At the meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, Sen. Lacson holds the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 – and its critics – to the Rotary’s Four-Way Test. Sen. Lacson also answered questions on the Anti-Terrorism Bill after the speech.

Good afternoon.

It is good to once again see familiar faces, virtually at least. I am certain that moving from physical meetings and events to the digital realm is something that is new to all of us. Nevertheless, I find comfort in knowing that this pandemic could not shake the dedication of a Rotarian spirit in living up to its overarching motto: Service above self.

Your invitation says I have 30 minutes to speak. Since there are many points to cover in our virtual discussion today, I will cut to the chase and go straight to the issues at hand.

For the past couple of weeks, among the trending topics that have been dominating the mainstream and social media platforms is the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which as we speak, is awaiting the signature of the President. Unfortunately, the ongoing campaign against this proposed measure, heavily influenced by massive misinformation and disinformation, unfairly devalues the importance of this legislative measure on many fronts.

Hence, as the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the bill, it is incumbent upon me to take every available platform to shed light on the legislative intent and merit of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, as proposed.

Continue reading “Discussing the Anti-Terrorism Bill Before the Rotary Club of Manila” →

In the News, Statements, TV

#PINGterview: Laging Handa Public Briefing: Anti-Terror Bill, National ID, GMRC Law

In an interview on PTV-4’s Laging Handa public briefing, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* Why the Anti-Terrorism Bill is urgent [21:12]
* DOH leadership woes in dealing with COVID-19 threat [23:15]
* National ID’s value amid pandemic [24:56]
* Implementing the GMRC Law [28:03]

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: Laging Handa Public Briefing: Anti-Terror Bill, National ID, GMRC Law” →

Statements

Ping: Marawi Siege, Hindi Sana Nangyari Kung Napaaga-Aga ang 2020 Anti-Terror Bill

Hindi sana naganap ang madugo at mapanirang pambobomba sa Marawi noong 2017, kung umiiral na noon ang iminungkahing Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, bunga na rin ng mga klaro at mabibigat na probisyon nito laban sa terorismo.

Isiniwalat ito ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, sponsor ng naturang panukala sa Senado, sa kanyang pagsasalita sa online forum ng League of Provinces of the Philippines nitong Huwebes.

Ayon sa mambabatas, kung noon pa ay may mas matapang na batas na laban sa terorismo, siguradong mapipigilan ang karahasan at nailigtas ang maraming buhay at ari-arian.

“Had this measure been in effect earlier instead of the 2007 Human Security Act, the Marawi Siege could have been prevented. For one, a new feature under this bill is to make punishable inchoate offenses, something not present under the present Human Security Act of 2007,” pagsisiwalat ni Lacson.

Related: Lacson: Anti-Terror Bill of 2020 Could Have Prevented Marawi Siege
Continue reading “Ping: Marawi Siege, Hindi Sana Nangyari Kung Napaaga-Aga ang 2020 Anti-Terror Bill” →

Statements

Lacson: Anti-Terror Bill of 2020 Could Have Prevented Marawi Siege

The deadly and protracted Marawi Siege of 2017 could have been prevented had the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 been in effect at the time, due to its tough provisions against inchoate offenses as well as its mechanism for cutting off terrorists’ funding.

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson stressed this as he pointed out the country cannot afford to wait for a repeat of the urban battle that lasted five months and caused massive loss of life and property.

“Had this measure been in effect earlier instead of the 2007 Human Security Act, the Marawi Siege could have been prevented. For one, a new feature under this bill is to make punishable inchoate offenses, something not present under the present Human Security Act of 2007,” Lacson, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said at an online forum of the League of Provinces of the Philippines on Thursday, when asked by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose ‘Bong’ Lacson.

Related: Ping: Marawi Siege, Hindi Sana Nangyari Kung Napaaga-Aga ang 2020 Anti-Terror Bill
Continue reading “Lacson: Anti-Terror Bill of 2020 Could Have Prevented Marawi Siege” →

In the News, Online

Threat groups use social media to spread extremism – Lacson [Manila Times]

Presentation_Anti-Terror Bill updated-46

From The Manila Times: “The first line of defense against violent extremism, I believe, is education; creating awareness and cultivating our young people’s critical thinking and resilience will equip them with skills they need to detect and reject violent extremism and make informed decisions and contest extremist ideologies,” (Lacson) said.

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In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On SONA 2018

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In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Possible martial law extension in Mindanao, Joint Session, Syndicate in the DPWH | Dec. 11, 2017

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the hearing on ROW issues in General Santos City
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Possible martial law extension in Mindanao, Joint Session, Syndicate in the DPWH | Dec. 11, 2017” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DWIZ | Oct. 21, 2017

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Marawi fighting
– Rehab works in Marawi
– Atio Castillo hazing case

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Oct. 21, 2017” →

Statements

#PingTweets: On the liberation of Marawi

Continue reading “#PingTweets: On the liberation of Marawi” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Panayam ng DZBB | Agosto 3, 2017

Sa panayam sa DZBB, sinagot ni Sen. Lacson ang tanong sa:
– Paano dapat tratuhin ang inpormasyon tungkol sa banta sa seguridad
– Kung sapat na ang dagdag na x-ray machine para tigilan ang katiwalian sa BOC

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “Panayam ng DZBB | Agosto 3, 2017” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Kontrobersya sa BOC, banta sa seguridad, at ipinatawag ng Pangulo na pulong sa Malakanyang | Agosto 2, 2017

Sa panayam, nagbigay ng pahayag si Sen. Lacson tungkol sa:
– kontrobersya sa Customs
– pagtugon sa banta sa seguridad at sitwasyon sa Marawi
– ipinatawag ng Pangulo na pulong sa Malakanyang

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Kontrobersya sa BOC, banta sa seguridad, at ipinatawag ng Pangulo na pulong sa Malakanyang | Agosto 2, 2017” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | June 8, 2017

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the Marawi crisis
– the relocation of the Senate
– no plan to investigate incident at Resorts World Manila
– bill to remove conflict of interest at PAGCOR
– case vs Marvin Marcos and co. over Mayor Espinosa killing
– National ID system

Quotes from the interview…
 Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | June 8, 2017” →

Statements

On the Now-Declassified Video Showing Maute Planning the Marawi Rebellion

Since the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already declassified the confiscated video showing how Maute planned the Marawi City rebellion, I think I can now disclose that this video footage, among other disclosures in the security briefing made by top security officials of the Duterte administration during our executive caucus, is what made me decide to vote in favor of the martial law proclamation in Mindanao.

Further, I conclude that our colleagues who still oppose the martial law proclamation either did not understand the gravity of the security threat posed by the rebellion in the south, or they are simply opposed to anything that President Duterte does or acts on.

*****

Statements

On the Money Recovered from a Maute Stronghold in Marawi City

The authorities should milk that cash recovery with all the valuable intelligence information that our troops may put into good use with possibly identifying the financiers of the Maute terrorists that attacked Marawi City and other co-conspirators.

For one, the owner of the establishment where the monies were recovered should be background investigated at the very least. Or, that could be the loot taken by the Maute attackers from the banks in Marawi City.

Either way, I take my hat off to our soldiers. No matter how battle-weary they are and considering the risk of life they’re going through, they were not tempted with the prospect of a comfortable life for themselves and their families. Instead, and stuck to their honor and integrity as professional members of the AFP.

*****

Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On the Senate Resolution Supporting the Declaration of Martial Law over Mindanao