Arroyo to seek protection against piracy for Philippine seafarers

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Monday that she will seek greater protection against piracy for Philippine seafarers and support for the Philippine bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)at the African Union Special Summit on the Settlement of Conflicts in Africa, which is to be held in Libya.

As if to justify her latest foreign trip amid controversies surrounding her last U.S. visit, the president said in her departure statement that the Philippines is a "global nation" and that "the challenges and opportunities that face us transcend our borders and reach far across the oceans and continents."

"Africa is increasingly important to the Philippines. The peace and stability of Africa directly impact on our energy security, but more importantly, on the safety and welfare of many of our overseas Filipinos, including our seafarers," she said before boarding her Philippine Airlines flight at 12:10 a.m. on Monday.

The president indicated the timeliness of her trip since "the East African monsoon is almost over and we can expect a surge in pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia."

"Though many have been freed, over 200 Filipino seamen have suffered at the hands of pirates. We are vigorously working to protect our seafarers and this is an issue where Africa's collective efforts bring stability and order to the affected areas will be crucial," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo, who was invited by Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi, is scheduled to attend that same day the AU Summit which seeks to find ways to address peace and security issues in Africa.

She cited Philippine contributions to peace and stability in the African continent through its 274 soldiers and policemen in different United Nations missions and operations in Africa.

"They are helping bring and preserve peace and are a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our men and women in uniform. They are our nation's investment in global peace," she said.

The president also said that her presence at the Summit is important as African nations "form the majority in both the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Conference."

"The AU Special Summit "presents a unique and unparalleled platform for us to engage the Leaders of Africa to support the first Special NAM Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and development which the Philippines will host on 1-3 December 2009 and to increase the momentum behind our quest for Observer Status in the OIC," she said.

On Sept. 1, the president will join a select group of leaders from around the world invited by Qaddafi to attend the 40th anniversary of the Great Al Fateh Revolution.

She said that the Philippines has always "stood by Libya" since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1976.

"We helped bridge differences between Libya and others. While Libya helped us bring peace and hope to the Southern Philippines and build deeper ties with the Organization of Islamic Conference," she said.

She noted that Libya was instrumental to the conclusion of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Libya also hosts 12,000 Filipino workers whose welfare she would seek to "advance" during her visit, she said.