THE National Security Council (NSC) wants the Palestinian-militant group Hamas to be designated as a terrorist organization under the anti-terror law of the Philippines.
The NSC explained some reasons why they want Hamas to be declared as a terrorist organization that attacked Israel and left hundreds of various nationalities dead and wounded.
In a press briefing, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya that aside from showing solidarity with Israel, the agency aims to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization to protect the public from terrorist attacks.
Malaya also revealed that the Hamas group had attempted to stir chaos in the Philippines multiple times.
Malaya explained that it will be easier to arrest any Hamas-member if the said group is declared a terrorist under the anti-terror law.
Moreover, the official said that designating the Hamas group as terrorists also enables the government strongly reject its operation in the country.
Under the anti-terror law of 2020, the A.T.C. may designate an individual, or group, whether foreign or domestic, as terrorists.
Citing the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Malaya said that the Hamas group intends to kill Jews living the Philippines, gather funds, use social media for their propaganda and conduct protests at embassies in the Philippines.
Hamas is already designated as a terrorist group by Israel, the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Paraguay, and Japan.
