Año: ATC to designate Hamas militant group as terrorist org in Phl

The Philippines will designate the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a terrorist organization in the country, National Security Council Secretary Eduardo Año said on Friday.

The Anti-Terrorism Council will prioritize the designation of the group as terrorist organization — "in solidarity with the people of Israel" — under the Republic Act 11479 also known Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, according to national security adviser, who strongly condemned Hamas' attack against Israelis and foreign nationals residing in Gaza, Israel.

"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 which has already claimed more than 1,200 lives, including that of two Filipinos, and wounded some 3,000 others," said Año.

"Together with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we hope for a swift resolution to this conflict, we pray for the safety of innocent civilians and we offer our thanks to the Government of Israel for its efforts to protect our citizens," he added.