Schools deny Turkish envoy’s terrorist charge

Officials of two schools accused of being involved in terrorist activities in the country have denied the allegations made by the Turkish ambassador.

In a joint statement, the Integrative Center for Alternative Development Foundation (ICAD) and the Pacific Dialogue Foundation (PDF) said their organizations have never been involved in any criminal activity in the country, especially terrorism.

ICAD and PDF are operating the FilipinoTurkish Tolerance School in Zamboanga City and the Fountain International School in Metro Manila with students from 20 countries, including children of foreign dignitaries.

“These schools do not teach religion. They accept students of all religious backgrounds as ICAD’s mandate is to promote peace and understanding through education among people of diverse cultures,” the organizations said.

Last week, Turkish Ambassador Esra Cankorur alleged that the Fethullah Gulen Movement, which she tagged as a terrorist organization, is operating in the Philippines through these schools.

Turkey has accused Gulen, who is living in the United States, of spearheading the failed coup attempt against Turkish President Recep Erdogan last year.

While tagged as a terrorist organization in Turkey, the movement was cleared in investigations conducted by other countries of taking part in terrorist activities and radicalization of supporters.

In their statement, ICAD and PDF expressed support for Gulen’s principles of “openness and tolerance among all people by offering secular educational opportunities in the Philippines regardless of religion or beliefs.”

“Moreover, the affiliated schools in approximately 150 countries, as allegedly linked to the same accusations by the Hon. Turkish Ambassador, are legally operating in various countries, including the United States, Belgium, France, Australia, Japan, South Africa and Germany,” it added.