PNP confirms terror threat

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun30): PNP confirms terror threat

Security measures stepped up in Mindanao

The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday stepped up security measures against a possible terrorist attack in Mindanao, confirming that the information about the threat in Davao City was of “high reliability.”

Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office chief, alerted all six police regional offices in Mindanao and ordered them to conduct preemptive measures by increasing police visibility in key installations and public areas.

“The information we received with high reliability revealed a possible terrorist threat to the peace and security in Region 11, particularly in Davao City,” Sindac said.

“We could not, however, divulge any further details of said reports received so as not to compromise ongoing security operations by both the PNP and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) in these areas,” he added.

Last week, no less than President Aquino warned Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of a possible terrorist plot, allegedly from Basit Usman who is a known bomb expert connected to an international terrorist group.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is scheduled to meet with Duterte to discuss security measures amid the terror threat.

Specifically, Sindac said the preemptive security measures include aggressive foot and mobile patrols, intensified checkpoints and gun check operations, including rigid inspections in land, sea and air transport terminals, commercial centers, places of convergence and vital installations.

“These measures are designed to harden possible soft targets of opportunity,” Sindac said.

Sindac said local police commanders were also instructed to minimize the impact of the intensified security measures to the people. He asked the public to cooperate.

“The measures being undertaken by our security forces in the area were simply to be more proactive and preemptive to these reports,” Sindac said.

“We urge everyone to give us any information that would be of help to the police and to our ongoing security operations,” he added.

Mindanao has been the site of several bomb attacks over the years, mostly carried out by local terror groups that have ties with international terrorist groups.

In the case of Usman, recent intelligence report showed he has been training members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in bomb-making and urban terror attacks.

This was confirmed in a raid on the camp of BIFF in Maguindanao recently where Usman was sighted.

The area command centers of AFP and PNP have already raised an “alert” status in Northern and Northeastern Mindanao regions over the weekend, but both denied receiving reports of an impending terrorist attacks in Cagayan de Oro City and Butuan.

Field commanders of the AFP and PNP were also ordered to beef up security in light, water and communication facilities, and assist local private security groups assigned in malls, terminals, seaports and airports, markets, church and school campuses.

Meanwhile, Chief Insp. Robert Domingo, spokesman of the National Capital Region Police Office, said police forces have not monitored any serious threat in Metro Manila.

http://www.mb.com.ph/pnp-confirms-terror-threat/