22 oras · Israel ambassador pays courtesy call to the Army Commanding General

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FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz met with the Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog S. Alberto to exchange views about counter-terrorism here today, July 2.

Harpaz’s courtesy call is in line with the Counter Terrorism Trainers Training (CTTT) between the Philippine Army and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) being conducted from July 1 to July 3 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

During the call, Harpaz recounted the time when former President Manuel L. Quezon opened the Philippines to 1,300 Jewish refugees from Europe in 1937 to 1941. He said this gesture is one of the reasons why Filipinos are welcome in Israel without a need for a travel visa.

Alberto expressed that the Army is looking forward to more training exchanges with Israel, so as to raise the Army’s determination to defeat the various terror threats it is facing.

In light of the recent terror attack in Sulu, the Army commanding general stressed the need for the country to learn from the Israeli Defense Force's years of experience and victories on counter-terrorism. He also emphasized that the mandatory military service in Israel is also a key in addressing terrorism.

“Be strong,” Harpaz told the audience composed of high-ranking officers of the Philippine Army. “We cannot have a 100% success against terrorism but we must continue to share our experiences on how to best address it,” he added.

After the call the Army commanding general and the Israeli ambassador flew to Fort Magsaysay to witness the ongoing CTTT.

“The Philippine Army recognizes the evolving security environment in the country and its neighboring states. Thus we welcome the help of our international counterparts in enhancing our counter-terrorism capabilities through various training and information exchange,” said Alberto.#

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