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Mangudadatu to push counter-terror law in Senate

<p>Maguindanao second district Rep. Dong Mangudadatu</p>

Maguindanao second district Rep. Dong Mangudadatu

MANILA — Maguindanao second district Representative and senatorial candidate Dong Mangudadatu has vowed to push 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 Mangudadatu, the Philippines is a preferred destination of terrorists because the Philippines is archipelagic which can be easily infiltrated by its enemies.

Mangudadatu said the country needs such law because there is massive recruitment of terrorist fighters globally.

With this law, Mangudadatu said, the government can also secure the country’s protected area, particularly the still untapped Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao that can be a huge source of natural gas reserve.

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 said, it can produce 583 billion barrels of natural gas that could raise one trillion in US dollars for the country.

If this happens, Mangudadatu said the government can deliver better social services for the people - free education, health, affordable food, among others. He added that the country can provide more jobs and Overseas Filipino Workers will return home to work here.

“We can preserve the Liguasan Marsh. Hintayin natin magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan. By then investors will come in,” Mangudadatu said.

This is why, Mangudadatu said, the anti-terror law because this can also be used to strengthen security in the protected areas like Liguasan Marsh.

Mangudadatu banners his PEACE platform that stands for Prosperity, Education, Agriculture, Cultural Unity, and Education.

His PEACE agenda earned him the support of President Rodrigo Duterte and Hugpong ng Pagbabago founding chairperson Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. (PR)

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