NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY discussions among Filipinos, who have never known any other government than the present unitary one -- but let the public debates start now. TERRORISM AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES International terrorism and transnational crime pose a direct threat to the security of individual countries and to international peace and prosperity. These twin problems are a persistent global threat that know no borders, nationality or religion, and operate outside the rule of law. Transnational terrorists and crime syndicates are usually well-organized internationally and domestically. They are well-resourced, have access to the latest technologies and skills, and will use unlimited or any form of violence to achieve their goals and objectives. The Philippines faces continuing threats from terrorism, both of foreign and domestic origin. The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) remains as the foremost terror group actively inflicting severe socio-political and economic disruptions. The ASG is an extremist organization known for its bandit-like tactics and notorious for beheadings and kidnap-for-ransom activities in Mindanao. Radically inspired by the Al Qaeda (Osama bin Laden) in its formative years, the ASG along with its affiliates, such as the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM), has a long-term intention of waging jihadist war against non-Muslims. Its members are known to have linkages to members of the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The ASG has recently pledged its allegiance (bai’yah) to the Islamic State (IS/ISIS/ISIL) but has faced stiff resistance due to continuing police and military operations. In addition to the ASG, other local terrorist groups such as the Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP), Maute Group, Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and Daesh-inspired entities have the potential to inflict various forms of violent attacks not only in Mindanao but also in any part of the Philippines. Meanwhile, the problem of transnational crimes has become more pressing. Given its archipelagic attributes, the Philippines’ borders are porous and vulnerable to the activities of international crime syndicates. These illegal transborder activities include: drug trafficking; human trafficking of children, women, illegal migrants and labor; illegal fishing/poaching; arms smuggling; and money laundering. The Philippines’ southern maritime borders which are shared with its ASEAN neighbors are also areas of concern due to the prevalence of high sea piracy and other related criminal activities. The asymmetric nature of terrorism and transnational crime requires the national government to continuously review and update current strategies, and to develop an integrated approach involving concerned law enforcement agencies of the Government. The Philippines must strengthen and enhance already existing cooperation with international partners while seeking to develop new ones in this regard. 11|Page