AFP says no info on alleged Hamas terror plot in Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has no information on the alleged terror plot of Middle East-based group Hamas in the Philippines, its public affairs office chief said on Wednesday.

“Sorry, we don't have info [regarding] this,” AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Jorry Baclor said when asked if the military has the same information on the alleged terror plot.

On Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has uncovered alleged attempts by Hamas, which has executed attacks against Israelis and Arabs, to carry out terrorist activities in the Philippines.

Citing the report of its Intelligence Group, the PNP said the information about this alleged terror plot was disclosed by a local contact of Hamas in the country.

Intelligence Group director Police Brigadier General Neil Alinsangan said a Filipino source identified the Hamas operative as “Bashir,” who pledged financial support to some local threat groups linked to international terrorist organizations.

“Coordination and information sharing with foreign and local counterparts disclosed that Bashir’s real name is ‘Fares Al Shikli’ who, allegedly, is  the head of Hamas’ Foreign Liaison Section,” he said.

“He has also an Interpol Red Notice and is charged with an Offense of Terrorism Logistic Support,” he added. —LBG/BM, GMA News