President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, leads the traditional toast during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace onThursday (January 14, 2016). The reception that marks the 29th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III assured the public on Friday that there is no credible terror threat in the Philippines following the attack in Jakarta, Indonesia which left seven people dead.
“The last report I read says walang credible threat,” Aquino said in an interview.
“Siyempre, magiging prudent tayo at makikipag-ugnayan sa intelligence agency. At babantayan nila ang komunidad para malaman kung may threat,” he added.
Shortly after the in Jakarta on Thursday, Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military “is now elevating alert levels to heightened alert in all areas to ensure a state of readiness should there be a need for it in case of certain contingencies.”
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 14). The reception that marks the 29thVin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (MNS photo)
On the other hand, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said they are now on “full alert” after a series of explosions and gunfire tore through a Starbucks cafe in Jakarta and shook an embassy district.
Padilla said police and military forces continue to monitor the “usual threats from local terrorist groups, such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).”
The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for many of the deadliest bombings in the country, as well as the BIFF, have pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters or ISIS. The military, however, has dismissed this as “propaganda.” (MNS)