PH anti-terror council to push for designation of Hamas as terrorist group

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine’s anti-terrorism council will push for the designation of the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a terrorist organization, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.

“In solidarity with the people of Israel, we will push for the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization under Republic Act 11479 (Anti Terrorism Act) as a priority agenda of the Anti-Terrorism Council,” Año said in a statement on Friday.

According to Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the Department of National Defense is also monitoring possible “spillover effects” of the conflict in the country.

Año, meanwhile, also called Hamas’ surprise attack “deadly and barbaric” as he strongly condemns the “terrorist assault.”

“This was a deadly and barbaric terrorist assault on Israel targeting its civilian population and Israel has every right, as much as any nation, to defend and protect itself from this attack,” he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forged an emergency government on Wednesday to direct war against Hamas in response to the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israeli history.

Hamas gunmen invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip last Saturday in a surprise assault that killed more than 1,300 people.

READ: Israel releases photos of slain kids to rally support after Hamas attack

Following Israel’s retaliation, Gaza authorities said more than 1,400 Palestinians have already been killed.

Meanwhile, three Filipinos were also confirmed dead due to the conflict, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

READ: DFA confirms third Filipino fatality in Israel-Hamas conflict

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