NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY From the Preamble, and the President’s remarks, the Government has identified eight National Security Interests that amplify its concept of national security --- public safety, law and order, and social justice; socio-political stability; territorial integrity; economic solidarity; ecological balance; cultural cohesiveness; moral-spiritual consensus; and international peace and cooperation. These interests serve as the Government’s strategic focus and shall be accorded appropriate Government’s planning and resource allocation. Public Safety, Law and Order and Justice The most fundamental duties of the State are to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and dispense social justice within the purview of the constitutionally enshrined principles of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. The Government seeks to enhance its ability to execute the above mandate by strengthening the five pillars of the criminal justice system — law enforcement, the courts, prosecution, penology, and the community. Central to this goal is the concept of participatory governance, in which all sectors are fully engaged in a meaningful partnership with the Government for the task of building a safer and more tranquil society. It speaks of collaborative relationship between the Government and the people particularly with respect to public safety issues involving the protection of human lives, private property, public assets and critical infrastructure. Socio-Political Stability This is a condition where peace prevails even in diversity and where cooperation and support exists between the Government and the people under an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy, bound by a strong notion of nationhood and a sense of duty to respect the rule of law and serve the common good. Economic Solidarity and Sustainable Development Building an economy that is strong and capable of supporting and sustaining human livelihood and national endeavors is the overarching thrust of the Philippines’ developmental plans and goals. Reducing poverty and income gaps, creating equal economic all, and distributing the fruits of development to the broadest segments of objectives of the desired economic growth and national security outcomes. likewise emphasizes the development of a stakeholder mind-set among the opportunities for society are key This component Filipinos, which can form the basis for collective economic initiatives at the community level. It encourages community groups and grassroots organizations to organize themselves around a framework of solidarity and self-reliance to confront their problems and satisfy their needs. 6|Page