Bombings spur AFP to intensify intelligence gathering

‘TERROR ACT’ Firefighters try to keep the flames from spreading after a powerful explosion in Cotabato City left six dead and dozens wounded along busy Sinsuat Avenue. JEOFFREY MAITEM/INQUIRER MINDANAO

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines will step up its intelligence efforts following a series of bombings in Mindanao recently.

“The entire intelligence community, including the AFP and the Philippine National Police, is exerting all efforts to thwart possible attacks against civilians and establishments,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said on Wednesday.

Two explosions hit Mindanao on Wednesday.

In North Cotabato, a blast rocked Midsayap past 3 a.m. In Maguindanao, an improvised explosive device went off at about 9 a.m. The incident left seven soldiers hurt.

On Monday, eight people were killed in an explosion in Cotabato City. Two weeks ago, a blast in Cagayan de Oro killed six.

“Although our security forces are focused on its intelligence and security operations, we call on every citizen to be alert and vigilant. Preventing terror attacks is a shared responsibility and we encourage the civilian community to be perceptive of their surroundings and maintain immediate and constant communication with government authorities,” Zagala added.

The spokesman assured that the military will remain vigilant and “will continue to exert pressure” on armed threats to prevent them from planning and executing terroristic activities.

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