The Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Council (ATC-PMC) and the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division held a caravan on Republic Act No. 11479, also known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” held at 4ID Officers Clubhouse, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on June 28, 2023.
4ID officers and enlisted personnel led by 4ID Commander, Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Regional Office-10 led by Regional Director PBGen Lawrence B Coop, participated in said activity, which aimed to bolster participant’s knowledge and skills in preventing and countering the act of terrorism through a series of sessions conducted by the different experts from national and local government agencies.
During the sessions, participants were educated on their significant role in the fight against terrorism. Likewise, various approaches and strategies on how to strike a delicate balance between ensuring national security and safeguarding individual rights in the implementation of the law were also tackled.
Brigadier General Rolando M Aquino (Ret), the Director of ATC-MPC, stated that bringing Anti-Terrorism awareness and education to the soldiers and police will foster a culture of trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
He also emphasized that this activity promotes engagement and builds the capacity to end communist terrorism while respecting human rights and preserving civil liberties.
MGen Cuerpo II, said that through the initiatives, the 4ID seeks to create a united force against terrorism and secure a safer and more resilient society for all Filipinos.
“We wholeheartedly support the ongoing anti-terrorism program and the effective implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. This program holds significant importance in safeguarding our nation and protecting our citizens from the threats posed by terrorism. “
MGen Cuerpo also said that through comprehensive education and awareness initiatives, 4ID can equip their frontline defenders with the necessary tools to identify, prevent, and respond to acts of terrorism. He added that such efforts promote the highest standards of professionalism and expertise, enabling dedicated security forces to carry out their responsibilities with precision and in strict accordance with the law.
