Palace allays fears on mall bomb plot

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang assuaged public fears after text messages began circulating yesterday about a plot to bomb malls and highly populated areas in retaliation for the killing of terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said it would not do well for the public to believe in such rumors.

He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring the movements of several threat groups capable of carrying out bombing attacks.

Text messages purportedly “from someone working in Malacañang” warned the public to avoid crowded areas due to threats of a bomb attack.

“We just received information from our assets that there’s a planned bombing in the following areas below: 1. Quezon City 2. Pasig City 3. Taguig City 4. Makati City,” one such text read.

The text messages said “a Muslim group” is planning to carry out the attacks from its hideout at “Maharlika Village in Taguig,” referring to the large Muslim community in Taguig.

“In view of this, we would like to request everyone to stay away from public places. AFP and PNP are on high alert re: this bomb plot. Our intel is now closely monitoring the situation,” the text message read.

The PNP urged the public not to pass on such text messages.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. appealed to the public to stop spreading baseless information so as not to add to the panic and confusion.

Cerbo added the PNP has not monitored any terrorist or bomb threat in Metro Manila following the killing of Marwan in Mamapasano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The PNP was placed on heightened alert in Metro Manila since Valentine’s Day up to the Chinese New Year celebration today.

Over the weekend, Coloma said the government is prepared for any eventuality.

Malacañang assured the public that the government is on top of the country’s security situation despite supposed threats of retaliation from supporters of Marwan.

Coloma said security forces are monitoring the threats.

Marwan’s alleged Filipino cohort Basit Usman – who is reportedly injured – remains at large.

And this is not just limited to possible retaliation of terrorists, but of suspected coup plotters and their potential financiers as well. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Roel Pareño