Police brace for possible attacks after death of IS leader

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is bracing for possible retaliatory attacks of local sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the fugitive emir of the infamous terror group, in a United States military raid in Syria.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said this was also part of the security preparations being conducted by the police for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day — or “Undas” —when millions of Filipinos are expected to flock to transportation terminals on their way to cemeteries.

The entire police force was put on full alert status on Monday, which means all leaves of PNP personnel are canceled, to ensure increased police presence for the season.

READ: PNP on full alert for ‘Undas’ despite no terror threat monitored

“We need the maximum presence of police. This is also to prevent possible attacks of terrorist groups or sympathizers of ISIS,” Banac said in Filipino in an interview with reporters.

Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, earlier said there was no terror threat being monitored for the observance of Undas.

Over 35,000 police personnel will be fielded from different police regional offices and national support units across the country for Undas.

They will be augmented by around 99,000 force multipliers from local government units, civic action groups, and civilian volunteer groups.

/atm