Focus on counter-terrorism

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

If it accomplishes nothing else this time except the adoption of measures that could effectively counter the inroads of terrorism in the region, the 12th Summit of the Association of Southeastasian Nations can already be declared a huge success.

This is because no other threat can impede the efforts of every member country to solve its major problems the way terrorism can. The manner of hosting the ongoing gathering of heads of Southeast Asian states is the best manifestation of how terrorism can affect or influence the peaceful projects and attempts at unity of peace-loving countries.

Because, aside form just providing a venue and making the ordinary preparations that could be expected, our country, as host has had to go into extra expense, more than we could probably afford without disturbing our economic status, on security, on measures to ensure that the tentacles of terrorism do not extend to the site of the meetings and create disastrous results.

Perhaps it would have been different in other countries where there are no built-in sanctuaries for members of international terroristic groups. But it has been determined that such groups have not only found their way into our country, they have even started to form bases here.

No doubt there are similar groups in other neighboring countries, as had already been shown by terroristic acts that have cost many lives in recent years. Of course there have been some encouraging developments like the capture of some members of such groups in our country and in others.

But the adoption of measures, strengthened by coordination and cooperation among the ten ASEAN members could mean, not only mutual protection, but also, hopefully, the eventual elimination of the risks we all face.*