UN Philippines takes part in review of aviation security in anti-terrorism programme

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez, gave the following message at the first ever in-person meeting of the Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Center (ATC-PMC), to undertake a review of the Threat Assessment Model for Aviation Security, or “TAM Programme”.   

Mr. Gonzalez's full remarks are found below:

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

I would first like to express my appreciation to the Anti-Terrorism Council–Program Management Center for hosting these Review Board proceedings.

I would also like to thank each of you here for joining us today. Your presence reinforces our collective commitment to the Threat Assessment Model for Aviation Security, or “TAM Programme”. 

This is in fact the first-ever face-to-face TAM Programme Review Board meeting in the Philippines. Which is an indicator of important progress in fighting the unprecedented pandemic.

On this occasion, I would like to highlight few points: 

First, today, you will hear about the progress made since the launch of the collaboration between  the Government of the Philippines and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. We will outline key recommendations on how to enhance cooperation on threats to civil aviation, which were prepared by the Integrated Project Team - at the helm of which is the Anti-Terrorism Council-Programme Management Center, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Office of Transportation Security. 

Secondly, the TAM Programme aims to establish connectivity between the counterterrorism and aviation security communities at the national level. This will have structural impacts - notably a tailored framework for enhanced interagency cooperation and coordination. This approach was developed in close collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and draws on expertise from the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well as INTERPOL.

Thirdly, ongoing UNOCT capacity building and technical assistance is contributing to the TAM programme through broader programmatic work on the use of passenger data to enhance detection capabilities and counter terrorist movements.

The experience in counter-terrorism shows that strong, just and accountable institutions – as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 16 – are a pre-requisite for States to deny terrorists the space to operate, bring them to justice and provide security to their populations.

Lessons learned also show that protecting and promoting human rights, including gender equality, is not an operational or strategic impediment. It is a requirement for successful counter-terrorism.

It means embedding gender equality and non-discrimination principles and respecting the right to privacy. It means upholding the rule of law, including fair trial standards, for everyone and at all times.

On behalf of the UN and the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism, it will be our pleasure to explore how, after completion of this project, we can enhance the role of the Government of Philippines as a role model for other Member States undertaking similar efforts.

The United Nations system will continue to be your close partner at this pivotal moment for pandemic recovery, counter-terrorism and our efforts to build a future of peace and dignity for all.

Maraming salamat po.