Vice President Sara Duterte pressed government authorities on Friday to intensify efforts in safeguarding local communities, supporting survivors of violence, and rebuilding conflict-torn regions as the nation observed the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
The global event coincided with Ninoy Aquino Day, a national holiday commemorating former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon returning from exile.
In her statement for the international observance, Duterte noted that the Philippines remains deeply acquainted with the heavy toll of terrorism, citing localities devastated by violent extremism and insurgency.
She pointed to the long-term impacts of bombings, extortion, and systemic violence across urban areas and rural Mindanao.
“Hindi lamang pansamantalang pinsala ang dulot ng terorismo. Sinisira nito ang takbo ng buhay ng susunod na henerasyon,” Duterte stated, emphasizing that terrorism inflicts far more than temporary harm by disrupting the future of succeeding generations.
The Vice President stressed that violence remains an ongoing reality for numerous Filipino households, insisting that honoring victims requires moving past symbolic gestures.
“True remembrance demands concrete action,” she declared, urging strict enforcement of state policies, swift justice, and comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives.
She maintained that the state bears the responsibility of securing national borders and restoring areas where families have been displaced by hostilties.
“We owe it to every displaced family and every disputed community,” Duterte added, urging programs aimed at shielding the youth, protecting vulnerable areas, and providing full support to recovering victims.
Her release made no direct connection between the anti-terrorism observance and Ninoy Aquino Day, which commemorates the opposition leader whose assassination helped spur the movement that ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Duterte concluded her message by urging Filipinos to “bring back courage and compassion,” dedicating collective recovery efforts to God, the nation, and the Filipino family.