‘Dangerous times ahead’: PNP, AFP to ramp up efforts vs terrorism

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to bolster its efforts to combat terrorism after President Rodrigo Duterte warned of “dangerous times ahead” in the Philippines.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgar Arevalo said the military needs to beef up its training and weapons because terrorist groups are improving on their tactics.

“Nagpapakita na kailangan modernong Armed Forces hindi lang sa training kundi dahil sa kagamitan sapagkat ang ating mga kalaban ay patuloy na naglelevel up,” Arevalo said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday.

Arevalo added that warnings on human trafficking and drug trafficking prompted the modernization of AFP and PNP.

PNP echoed AFP’s statement, saying that Duterte’s assessment called for flexibility of police forces to defend the country from internal and external threats.

“’Very dangerous times ahead’ is PRRD’s accurate and honest assessment of emerging global trends in terrorism, transnational crime, and cross-border criminal activity that require greater flexibility and capability of military and police forces to cope with the challenges and demands for security from internal and external threats,” PNP spokesperson Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Banac also assured the President that the PNP is in a “better position” to ensure public’s safety through enhanced operational capability.

In a speech on Tuesday, Duterte asked the military and police forces to bolster security efforts to face enemies of the state before his term ends. /je

READ: Duterte: ‘I see very dangerous times ahead’