Maguindanao second district Representative and senatorial candidate Dong Mangudadatu has vowed to push for the passage of an anti-terror law anchored on the Human Security Act of 2007, as he cited the need to bring peace and development in the country.
If elected, Mangudadatu said, the anti-terror law would be on top of his agenda because it fits to his peace and development platform.
According to the legislator, the Philippines is a preferred destination for terrorists because it is archipelagic which can be easily infiltrated.
The lawmaker said the country needs such a law because there is massive recruitment of terrorist fighters globally.
“The country needs such law because there is massive recruitment of terrorist fighters globally.”
With this law, he noted, government can also secure the country’s protected area, particularly the still untapped Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao that can be a huge natural gas source.
The Human Security Act of 2007 is a primary anti-terrorism law that brings the Philippines in line with its Southeast Asian neighbors battling Islamist militants.
Its passage is aimed at tackling terrorists in the Southern Philippines.
Citing a study on the potential of Liguasan Marsh, Mangudadatu pointed out, it can produce 583 billion barrels of natural gas that could raise $1 trillion for the country.
“Liguasan Marsh can produce 583 billion barrels of natural gas that could raise $1 trillion for the country.”
If this happens, Mangudadatu said government can deliver better social services for the people – free education, health, affordable food, among others.
Mangudadatu added that the country can provide more jobs and overseas Filipino workers will return home to find work here.
“We can preserve the Liguasan Marsh. Hintayin natin magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan. By then investors will come in,” he stressed.
This is why, Mangudadatu added, the country needs an anti-terror law as this can also be used to strengthen security in protected areas like the Liguasan Marsh.
Mangudadatu banners his PEACE platform that stands for Prosperity, Education, Agriculture, Cultural Unity, and Education.
Mangudadatu’s PEACE agenda earned him the support of President Rodrigo Duterte and Hugpong ng Pagbabago founding chairperson Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
