No specific terror threats in NCR - AFP

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila is not facing specific threats despite reports that terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is planning to stage attacks in the metropolis as well as in Davao City and General Santos City, the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Tristan Kison said they nevertheless remain vigilant about possible terrorist plots.

“For now, we did not receive any report that there would be bombings (in Metro Manila),” Kison told radio station dzBB yesterday. “If ever there would be (threats), these would have to be validated by our intelligence units.”

Kison said the NCRCOM is working closely with the police to ensure the safety of the public.

“In Metro Manila, we are intensifying our intelligence gathering. We conduct intelligence exchange with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other intelligence units to prevent that (bombing) or foil any plan by those with bad intentions,” he said.

Earlier, PNP chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome called on the public not to panic and instead must be vigilant amid unverified reports that the JI terrorist network may deploy bombers to Mindanao and even Metro Manila.

Bartolome said the PNP needs the cooperation and vigilance of the public to prevent unscrupulous individuals from carrying out criminal activities.

The PNP chief advised citizens to report or call the nearest police station if they notice something suspicious in order to allow authorities to properly handle the situation.

“We need to be vigilant. Citizens should be observant and cautious of suspicious individuals or packages…anything that resembles an improvised explosives device should be immediately reported to authorities,” Bartolome said in a radio interview. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe