Legarda Calls For Vigilance Amid Terror Threat Reports

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY CALLED FOR HEIGHTENED VIGILANCE FROM ALL SECURITY FORCES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AMID REPORTS OF A POSSIBLE TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE COUNTRY, EVEN AFTER THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES DOWNPLAYED THE THREAT.
“The AFP has already said that there is no terror threat in the country. However, we cannot put our guard down especially after more foreign governments issued travel advisories warning their citizens of imminent terrorist attacks in the country,” Legarda said.
The Senator was reacting to reports from other countries that the Philippines is a possible target of a terrorist attack. The Australian and British governments earlier advised their citizens of this threat in the country. It was followed by similar travel advisories from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said that the country cannot just downplay such reports because it affects not only the citizens but also the foreign nationals visiting or living in the Philippines.
“We are aware that government security forces are already in heightened alert following the foiled terror plot in the US last week. But we all have to be alert. I also urge private companies, especially those who own malls and other places frequented by the public, to intensify the security in their business establishments,” she said.
“The public should also be extra careful and immediately report suspicious activities. We all need to be ultra cautious and extremely vigilant to help thwart any plan that would wreak havoc in our country,” Legarda concluded.