Friday, December 30, 2016

AFP vows no repeat of Rizal Day bombings

From GMA News (Dec 30): AFP vows no repeat of Rizal Day bombings

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday promised to never let any act of terrorism prosper during the holidays, in light of the recent bombing in Hilongos, Leyte and in commemoration of the deadly Rizal Day bombings in 2000.

 “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is on guard in support of the Philippine National Police to frustrate any possible attempts of terrorists groups to do a repeat of the attack,” said Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of AFP Public Affairs Office, in a statement.

“We will not allow any threat to dampen this year’s commemorative celebration of Rizal’s example of physical and moral courage,” he added.

Exactly 16 years ago, 22 people died while close to a hundred were hurt when simultaneous bombings rocked five areas across Metro Manila: LRT and Plaza Ferguson in Manila; a bus in Cubao, Quezon City; NAIA in Pasay City; and an area near a gas station in Makati City.

The bombings were led by self-confessed Jema’ah Islamiyah bomber Fathur Roman Al Ghozi.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, more than 30 people were hurt in an explosion caused by a pair of improvised explosive devices during a boxing match near the Hilongos Municipal Plaza in Leyte.

Given these incidents, AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año vowed to exert all efforts in order to prevent terrorist groups and criminals from pursuing their plans.

“We are, as a nation, beset with the challenges from unscrupulous individuals and groups that are bent to kill, maim, and terrorize our people,” Año said.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in tandem with the Philippine National Police, will do its level best to ensure that they will not succeed. That their nefarious and criminal activities— chief of which are illegal drugs and kidnapping for ransom —will be met with superior force and calibrated responses,” he added.

Año then urged the public to help the AFP in countering these incidents. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594175/news/nation/afp-vows-no-repeat-of-rizal-day-bombings

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