We shall continue to mop up the remnants of terror as we move closer to durable peace, harmony and progress in Mindanao as a gateway of trade, security and prosperity in the entire region.

But perpetual vigilance is indeed the price of freedom, and we must never let our guard down. We must continue to destroy the spawning grounds of terror by a combined strategy of grassroots vigilance, economic development, interfaith solidarity and international cooperation.

Our gains in security now pace our gains in the economy, and this will continue to provide a quantum leap for confidence and investments in the Philippines.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today that the confirmation of the death of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Khaddafy Janjalani "marks the mortal turning point" for the terrorist group which has been at the forefront of numerous bombings and kidnapping incidents in the country since the early 1990s

In a statement, the President vowed to continue her government’s pursuit of the remaining members of the extremist group whose power base has been reduced to shambles after a series of successful offensives by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Aside from Janjalani, Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., alias Abu Solaiman, Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, and Hamsiraji Sali were also killed in encounters with government troops.

"All in all, AFP tactical prowess, the fusion of intelligence and training with the United States and our allies in the region and most of all, the vigilant support of the people and communities – have combined to breach the deadly ring of evil, put its cells in disarray and laid them open for the final blow," the President said.

"We shall continue to mop up the remnants of terror as we move closer to durable peace, harmony and progress in Mindanao as a gateway of trade, security and prosperity in the entire region," she added.

The President called on the Filipino people to "never let our guard down" and be always vigilant as "perpetual vigilance is indeed the price of freedom."

"We must continue to destroy the spawning grounds of terror by a combined strategy of grassroots vigilance, economic development, interfaith solidarity and international cooperation," she stressed.

The President said the government has made considerable headway in its fight against terror with the confirmation of the death of Janjalani and this, together with the improving economy, will result in further confidence and more investments for the country.

"Our gains in security now pace our gains in the economy, and this will continue to provide a quantum leap for confidence and investments in the Philippines," the President said.

Earlier, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said on Saturday that "good intelligence sharing and cooperation of the grassroots in Sulu and Basilan were largely responsible for the neutralization of the Abu Sayyaf Group leadership."

Bunye also said that the Arroyo administration "is determined to eliminate the pockets of poverty" in the area to deprive extremists of recruiting grounds for terrorism.

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The Philippines stands to benefit from the various accords signed by the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during their recently-concluded 12^th Summit in Cebu, according to Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye.

"For ASEAN, the preliminary work done by the Eminent Persons Group (which includes former President Fidel V. Ramos), of drafting a Charter is a milestone that is a great leap forward for international cooperation in general, Asia in particular. It bodes well for the region to increasingly take care of its own political, economic and security needs," Bunye said in his weekly column, "The View from the Palace" which comes out tomorrow (Monday).

"For the Philippines, it showcased the nation at its best and at a time when the economy is going strong, terrorists are being beaten back and the country is a full partner of global affairs," he added.

Bunye pointed out that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was "notably proud of the positive reinforcement she received from the other (ASEAN) leaders on her extensive discussions concerning the Philippine model for peace in Mindanao."

He said that if the ASEAN members adopt this model for peace, the whole region stands to reap the potential benefits such as economic development and security cooperation.

At the same time, Bunye said the ASEAN Summit has provided a perfect venue for the Philippines to project itself as a "competitive location" for multinational and local companies wishing to expand their operations within the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our business delegation offered the Philippines as a strategic location in a fast-growing region, with a well-educated, productive and English-speaking workforce," he said.

"Investors will find abundant investment opportunities in many of our high growth sectors, particularly mining, infrastructure development, agriculture and fisheries, as well as housing," he added.

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