Militant group Hamas had attempted to infiltrate the Philippines and launch activities, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said on Monday, Oct. 16.
During PTV's "Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon", Malaya said the NSC is pushing to designate Hamas as terrorist organization due to the previously attempted threats it posed in the country.
"Nakita rin natin na meron nang pagtangka ang Hamas na maglungsad ng mga aktibidades sa Pilipinas. In fact in 2018, merong isang Hamas operative na pump maker ang inaresto ng Philippine National Police at ito ay dineport sa Turkey," he said.
"Also last year, meron silang operatiba na kumakausap sa mga local exteremist groups para makapag-operate din sa ating bansa," Malaya added.
Citing the result of the Philippine National Police's investigation, the NSC Assistant Director General said Hamas had planned to "kill Filipino Jews", "raise funds", "utilized social media to spread propaganda", and "rally in front of Embassies and several areas to create chaos."
He said law enforcement authorities were able to thwart Hamas' plans with the assistance of other countries.
Malaya mentioned that Hamas' terrorist designation is the national government's way to protect Filipinos from terrorist threats.
"This is also a domestic act on the part of the Philippines para masiguro natin ang siguradad ng ating kababayan at hindi maulit ang mga nangyayari sa Gaza, sa ating mga kababayan," he said.
"This is a clear message by the Philippine government na hindi natin hahayaang mag-operate ang Hamas dito. It's really the purpose of designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization," the NSC Assistant Director General added.
Moreover, he said labeling Hamas as terrorist organization is the country's "solidarity" with Israel which has a good and long relation with the Philippines.
According to Malaya, the United States, Australia, the European Union, and other international states had previously declared Hamas a "terrorist organization."
