Public vigilance on terror acts urged

MANILA, Philippines - The military  on Thursday urged the public to help in the fight against terrorism in the wake of reports that some terrorist supporters had considered the Philippines as among their possible targets.

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, acting spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said efforts are being undertaken to secure all individuals in the country.

“The AFP is maintaining its efforts to safeguard and protect every individual in the country, Filipinos or foreigners alike, posed by threats particularly from terrorist elements,” Garcia said in a text message.

"Along this line, we are appealing to our people to help by being observant and alert in the communities or workplace,” he added.

Garcia was asked to react to reports that terrorists in Southern California, who were charged for trying to attack US military bases, had considered the Philippines as a possible target.

Accused of providing support to terrorists were Miguel Alejandro Santana, Arifeen David Gojali, Sohiel Omar Kabir and Filipino-American Ralph de Leon. The offense is punishable with jail term that lasts for up to 15 years.

The suspects also considered staging atrocities in Palestine and Afghanistan, authorities said.

Wire reports said the four were arrested last week in Istanbul while on their way to Afghanistan supposedly to train terrorists.

Garcia said they are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and their international partners to ensure public safety.

“We encourage everyone to report to authorities any unusual activities or suspicious individuals which may come to their attention,” the military official said.

“The threat of terrorism is not confined in the Philippines. It is a global threat. The fight against terrorism is the responsibility of everybody,” he added. – Alexis Romero