PH waters secure, PCG assures after terror warning from Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2021): PH waters secure, PCG assures after terror warning from Japan (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

PCG personnel during a maritime exercise (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday assured the public that it “sees no reason to be alarmed” after the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines warned of possible terror attacks in six Southeast Asian countries.

In a statement, PCG Commandant Vice Adm. Leopoldo Laroya said district commanders across the country have "always been" on intensified border protection and 24/7 seaborne patrol operations within their areas.

“With the latest pronouncement of the Japan Embassy, rest assured that our men and women will not put their guards down and will continue to be vigilant in conducting precautionary measures for public safety,” Laroya said.

He noted that PCG intelligence officers and deployed personnel are in close coordination with the National Intelligence Committee, Anti-Terrorism Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippines National Police to implement a whole-of-nation approach on national security.

READ: People in PH protected from terror threats: AFP spox

He called on the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons or activities in seaports, harbors, and coastal communities for “immediate action.”

Based on the directive of Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Laroya assured the continued normal operations of maritime stakeholders while the PCG performs “necessary initiatives to safeguard national security.”

On Tuesday, the Japanese Embassy released a warning of a possible terror attack in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.

It urged its citizens living in these countries to stay away from religious facilities and crowds after it obtained information that “there are increased risks such as suicide bombing.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153608