The government of Japan’s warning on Tuesday (Sept. 14) of a possible terror threat may be related to the situation in Afghanistan currently ruled by the Taliban, an expert said.
“The Philippines is one of the possible target because of the presence of Pro ISIS elements in the Philippines that are in fact active, still active,” Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism research chief Prof. Rommel Banlaoi said.
The countries included in the intelligence report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan about a possible terror attack and increased suicide bombing risks are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has confirmed the warning from the Japanese government but did not disclose further details.
“We advise Japanese nationals to remain vigilant at all times in public areas, especially places visited by a large number of people and places of worship,” the statement read.
Banlaoi said the Philippine government should coordinate with the Japanese government on the matter. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not yet received any information regarding a possible security threat.
However, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said “Japanese intelligence is focused on real threats and its information gathering capabilities are legendary,” and advised of taking precautions.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the threat level in the country remains at a moderate level, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is on alert.
“We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists’ threats,” AFP Spox. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
“Noon pa man ay patuloy na ang aming intelligence monitoring especially after the 9/11 attack in the US [United States] and Marawi City incident at nananatili ang ating ugnayan sa iba’t-ibang bansa kaugnay ng terorismo,” PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said. – Report from Bea Bernardo/AG-bny
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