PNP adopts 3-level defense system amid global alert

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police will use its 3-level defense system in response to a worldwide travel warning issued by the United States recently.

The system consists of intelligence, target-hardening or increasing security at vital installations and establishments, and incident management, Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesman said.

“We take the recent worldwide travel warning issued by the US with serious attention and great concern, more so because there are domestic threat groups with links to international terrorist organizations that are operating in the Philippines,” Sindac said.

Just recently, PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, along with National Intelligence Agency, arrested Sali Basal Taib (alias Anwar Gabinul, Gong-Gong Sali, and Abu Husni), an alleged sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group at San Miguel Extension, Barangay (village) Payatas in Quezon City.

Sindac said the recent arrest showed PNP’s “sustained and intensified efforts” against members of terror groups.

“It is the responsibility of any foreign government to ensure the safety of its citizens while traveling to different global destinations. The US is keen on exercising this responsibility by alerting its citizens as well as allied law enforcement counterparts of potential terror threats,” the spokesman said.