Guevarra to NBI: Do case build-up on foreign terrorists

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra yesterday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe and do a case build-up on the alleged entry of foreign terrorists and their alleged plan to hold terror attacks in northern Luzon. 

The NBI is given only until Aug. 31 to submit its initial report.

Sent through Director Dante Gierran, the one-page order reads: “(The NBI) is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the alleged entry into the country of foreign terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and other violent extremist groups, and their alleged plan to conduct terror attacks in Northern Luzon and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible thereof.”

Guevarra earlier said his office is not taking information of terrorist threats lightly.

“Terrorism, like illegal drugs, is topmost priority for the Department of Justice (DOJ) due to its violent nature and the widespread fear and anxiety that it brings to the general public,” he said.

 The NBI received an email last June allegedly claiming three suspected terrorist bombers linked to a bombing in Colombo, Sri Lanka were coming to the country. 

 They were only able to locate one of the suspected terrorists, a female who voluntarily went to their office to give her statement and clear her name.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the agency is not letting up on efforts to locate the other two Sri Lankans who reportedly sneaked into the country.

 “It’s a continuous effort. We are in close coordination with local and international intelligence agencies to monitor the suspected terrorists,” she added.

The agency’s efforts came after Secretary Guevarra said the BI is on alert for movements of persons from other Asian countries who have been suspected as terrorists and may have entered the country.

A report from Singapore’s The Straits Times said at least two terrorists are in northern Luzon to train militants on making bombs and attacking churches, among other activities that may disrupt peace and order.

 The Armed Forces of the Philippines, however, has denied the report. – With Robertzon Ramirez