Gov’t braces for new threats
Trilateral air patrol among PH, Malaysia, Indonesia to address growing security issues
President Duterte on Friday said the government is prepared to deal with more terror attacks that may take place in the country.
He admitted that this would be a “long-haul” fight against terrorism since the threat is unlikely to disappear soon.
“Terrorism will not disappear. We anticipate another assault maybe this time in two or three places in the Philippines but we are prepared,” he said during his visit to Dumaguete City last Friday.
Just recently, President Duterte warned that Islamic State (IS)inspired terrorism would not go
away in the next seven to 10 years. In view of this, the President directed the military to be ready in the event terrorists launch simultaneously attacks in Zamboanga, Basilan, Isabela, and another major city.
“We are not ill-prepared, but we are prepared and it’s gonna be a long-haul for all of us,” Duterte stressed.
To address these growing threats of terrorism not just in the Philippines but in the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, the country joined Malaysia and Indonesia in launching a trilateral air patrol. The Philippines was represented by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the launcing in Subang, Indonesia, on October 12.
“The coordinated joint air patrols were launched to better counter the movement of terrorist groups and to strengthen the security of our three nations and that of the region,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said over state-run Radyo Pilipinas Saturday morning.
“By sharing information and exchanging best practices, we hope to improve the inter-operability of our forces and help better secure areas of common maritime interest,” he added.
In June, joint operations by the three countries were conducted to fight terrorism and transnational crimes in the Sulu Sea after the Daesh-inspired Maute Group attacked Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, late May.
The fight against the terrorist group, which is nearing its fifth month, prompted the declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao which was extended until yearend.
As of October 12, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that a total of 813 enemies were already killed by government troops while 160 soldiers and police were killed-in-action.
A total of 47 civilians were killed by the terrorists while 1,750 civilians have been rescued, so far, by the troops.
Meanwhile, the President reaffirmed plans to build a “strong” military and police to effectively combat the threat of urban terrorism.
He has directed the military to review its operational doctrines, saying “the fight is already too long” – referring to the rebel siege in Marawi City.
Duterte said terrorism propagated by the Islamic State involves only death and destruction of innocents. “Walang ginawa ito… kung hindi pumatay at magsira [They do nothing but kill and destroy] and they (have) killed babies, women. After raping women, they killed them,” he said.