Alejano: Strong institutions needed to improve PH peace status

The Philippines needs strong institutions and clear policies to improve its peace status, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said on Friday.

Alejano said this after a recent study of Global Peace Index 2018 showed that the Philippines ranks second least peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific Region, next to North Korea.

READ: PH is 2nd ‘least peaceful’ country in Asia Pacific

In a statement, Alejano said, “Our low ranking is indeed disappointing, but this should be taken as a wake-up call to strengthen our institutions and establish a clear policy direction with regards to the peace and order situation in our country.”

According to the study, the Philippine score “suffered badly” due to the Duterte administration’s crackdown against alleged drug dealers and the five-month battle between government forces and ISIS-inspired terrorists.

Alejano agrees with the basis of the report, saying the “widespread killings under the war on drugs, Marawi siege, and declaration of martial law extension in Mindanao could be easily identified as major reasons for this slide.”

The Magdalo solon also noted that the peace ranking may affect the attractiveness of the Philippines to investors.

“Such perception affects investors’ confidence on the country. It would be a difficult job for the Duterte economic managers to market the country when the factors mentioned above still persists. Only China would risk investing in the country in exchange of achieving their strategic interest in the region. Adding to the uncertainty is the unpredictability of the president,” he added.

However, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde said the raters of the Global Peace Index 2018 should go to the Philippines to “see for themselves” how peaceful the country is.

“We want these people siguro to go to our country and see for themselves kung ano talaga ang sitwasyon ng peace and order dito sa ating bansa and probably they will see kung gaano ka-peaceful dito sa ating bansa,” Albayalde said.

(We want these people to come to our country and see for themselves the real situation of the peace and order and they will probably see how peaceful it is in the Philippines.)  /vvp

READ: PNP on low peace index ranking: See for yourself how peaceful it is in PH