Palace says PH on heightened alert since Marawi siege

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is already on heightened alert amid reports of terror threats in the Philippines, Malacañang said Thursday as it called on the public to report suspicious individuals and activities to authorities.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said this as he also thanked Japan for the information about the possible terror attacks in Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.

“Well, alam niyo naman po na tayo ay nasa heightened alert matapos po yung nangyari sa Marawi. At nagpapasalamat po tayo sa impormasyon pero lalo lang po natin pinagiigting ang ating kahandaan para harapin ang posibleng terrorist attack muli,” Roque said in a press briefing.

(We have been under heightened alert after what happened in Marawi. We are thankful for the information but we’re already strengthening our preparedness to possibly face another terrorist attack.)

“Nakahanda naman po ang ating kapulisan at ang ating hukbong sandatahan at hinihingi rin natin ang kooperasyon ng ating mga mamamayan, ireport niyo po sa kapulisan kung meron kayong kaduda dudang mga personalidad o di naman kaya mga kaduda dudang mga bagay bagay lalo na sa mga pampublikong lugar,” he added.

(Our police and the military are already ready and we are asking for our people’s cooperation in reporting suspicious persons or activities in public areas to authorities.)

Japan’s Foreign Ministry earlier warned its citizens of “increased risks such as suicide bombings” in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.

Both the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has yet to monitor any reports linked to Japan’s warning in the country, but assured they will keep their guards up to ward off possible terror threats.

EDV