Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Friday called on the public to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals and activities.
Panelo made the call, after Japan’s Foreign Ministry on Monday warned its citizens in at least six Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, against possible terror attacks.
“Kailangan kayo hong mga kababayan natin, kapag nakapansin ho kayo ng medyo maling galaw ng mga nasa kapaligiran natin, aba’y isumbong agad natin sa awtoridad (To my fellow countrymen, you should immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities),” he said during his commentary show Counterpoint.
Panelo, nevertheless, assured the public that the government is ready to thwart terror attacks.
He said the police and the military are closely coordinating with each other to secure the country.
He added that state forces are “always alert” to keep Filipinos safe against terror activities.
“Meron na namang panganib na nakaamba sa atin. Eh sana naman hindi matuloy ito. At saka ready tayo na ma-stop natin itong mga teroristang ito (We are in an imminent danger anew. Let’s hope this will not materialize. And we are ready to stop the terrorists),” he said.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila confirmed that Tokyo had received information about possible terror attacks in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry advised its citizens in the six Southeast Asian countries to stay away from religious facilities and crowds due to “increased risks such as suicide bombing.”
Philippine officials said the government has not received a report on the terror threats in the country related to Japan’s warning.
The Philippines, nevertheless, has remained under “heightened alert” and stricter security to suppress lawless violence and rebellion, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.
Source: Philippines News Agency