Govt intensifies 'intelligence gathering, hardening of targets' amid reports of terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4): Govt intensifies 'intelligence gathering, hardening of targets' amid reports of terror attacks

Malacanang said on Sunday that the government is intensifying its intelligence gathering efforts in order to address reported plans of international terrorist group al-Qaida to attack targets this month.

The United States has issued alerts to its diplomatic posts around the world warning of an al-Qaida attack on Western interests any time soon. The alert expires on August 31.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said efforts have also been centered at fortifying alleged targets of the terrorist group.

“We consulted the National Security Adviser and the NSA had advised us that we are already intensifying intelligence gathering, and we continue the hardening of targets which are the focus of these alerts such as the US Embassy,” Valte said.

She said the government was concerned about the terror alert and has remained in constant communication with the NSA for further updates.

“Of course, we take into consideration the alert that has been issued and then, according to the National Security Adviser, we are intensifying our intelligence gathering to address the issues that were raised in the alert,” Valte said.

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