Phl backs UN ceasefire call to focus on COVID

President Duterte expressed support yesterday for United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ call for a global ceasefire on armed conflicts so that countries can focus on one enemy: COVID-19.

While welcoming the UN Secretary General’s call, the President emphasized that the fight against terrorism in the Philippines remains vital in ensuring peace and security in the country.

“The Secretary General’s report for global ceasefire is most welcome and appreciated,” he said in a recorded address to the UNGA’s 31st special session in New York in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yet combatting terrorism is as urgent now as it was before the pandemic. In my country, this fight is about protecting life, while preserving the democratic values we have restored without violence,” he added.

“I echoed this call in my speech to the General Assembly in September and urged new efforts and commitments to silence the guns by the end of the year,” Guterres said.

He said governments should take concrete steps in ending violence against women and girls around the world.

Duterte’s statement of support for global ceasefire came amid the Armed Forces of the Philippines rejection of a Christmas ceasefire with the rebel New People’s Army (NPA).

In his message, Duterte reiterated his call for vaccines for all Filipinos, particularly those considered most vulnerable. “The Philippines wants to ensure the swift and unimpeded provision of medical care for all Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.

“Mr. President, the end of this pandemic is difficult to see, yet the broad outlines of the horizon are breaking through. It is never too early to think of a bouncing back strategy,” he said.

“The Philippines aims for a comprehensive and inclusive recovery, with no one left behind. We are using all our available socio-economic instruments to protect our hard won gains in development,” he added.