Medialdea scores terrorism in rare public statement

Screenshot of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea from the House of Representatives livestream.

The Presidential Human Rights Committee blasted local terrorist groups for hampering government efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic as it touted the humanitarian efforts of the military to help respond to the crisis and its adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL).

In his message for the observance of International Humanitarian Law Day, committee chair and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said enemies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued with their “reprehensible activities” even during the pandemic.

“Indeed, local terrorism is itself a plague that worsens the pandemic we face,” Medialdea said.

But he said the government would not waver in fulfilling its duty to protect the people and help the country recover from the crisis.

“It is unfortunate that our ongoing efforts to confront an unseen nemesis called COVID-19 are greatly encumbered by its seen counterpart called local terrorism. But our obligation as government to protect our people at all times, which IHL constantly reminds us of, inspires us to be strong and focused in bringing about healing and recovery in these difficult times,” he said.