DND working to validate Japan terror warning; AFP says no threat monitored
The Department of Defense is working to validate reports of possible terror threats in the Philippines after a travel warning issued by the Japanese government to its citizens.
"As with all reports concerning the safety and security of our communities, the aforementioned advisory will be subjected to the process of validation," DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.
The military earlier said that it has not monitored any possible terrorist attack in the country.
"As of now, we have not received any report. We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process," said Colonel Ramon Zagala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"As per last review our threat level is moderate."
According to foreign media reports, the Foreign Ministry of Japan has warned its citizens against a possible terror attack in six Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
The reports said the Japanese foreign ministry obtained information on possible suicide bombings. Due to this, the ministry advised its citizens in these countries to stay away from religious facilities and crowds.
Aside from the Philippines, the warning also covers Japanese citizens in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.
Zagala said the military "take[s] seriously all received reports that pertains to security matters, especially on terrorism."
The DND also said it has been on constant "heightened alert" for terrorist activities since the 2017 Marawi siege.
"We are working closely with other relevant government agencies and instrumentalities such as the Anti-Terrorism Council to continuously monitor and assess terror threats within our borders all year round," Andolong said.
For his part, Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said they have not received any report on possible terrorist attacks.
“We have not received any report of possible terror attacks as advised by the Japan Foreign Ministry but this does not mean we would lower our guard in this matter,” Eleazar said in a video message.
Eleazar said the PNP has been continuing its intelligence monitoring and has intensified its coordination with other countries for information sharing and partnership against terrorism.
He added that they are working with communities and other sectors to prevent terror attacks in the country. — with Consuelo Marquez/KBK/BM, GMA News