The Armed Forces of the Philippines has reminded Filipinos to remain vigilant against terrorism following the arrest of three suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group-Urban Terrorist Group in Quezon City who were planning to bomb malls and other places in Metro Manila to sow chaos during the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the threat of terrorism does not disappear and is always there.
“It’s always important that we remain alert, we remain vigilant, and we remain on the lookout for suspicious persons kasi anytime, terrorism is always ready to strike,” Padilla said.
He also reminded Filipinos to remain vigilant against the New People’s Army as they, like terrorists, are always ready to strike. “Ganun din sa mga ibang lugar, even anytime, the NPAs are ready to strike,” Padilla said.
Padilla said the AFP has been closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police on security measures this Christmas to prevent terrorists and other lawless groups from launching attacks. (Francis T. Wakefield)
