PRO-7: CV safe from terror threats

Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Robert Quenery has assured that the police are on top of the situation amid reports that a group of Islamic militants from Indonesia has entered the country and are planning terror attacks in key cities of the

“We are on top of the situation. There is no imminent threat in our region as far as terrorism is concern,” Quenery said.

A supposed internal memorandum from Police Regional Office-10 has gone viral on social media, warning of possible terror attacks from members of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Based on the document, all provincial and city directors were directed to monitor suspected ISIS bombers who entered the country by posing as ordinary fishermen.

“ISIS bombers and expert bomb makers are already in the Philippines. They passed through Indonesia to Borneo and finally in the region of Mindanao by pretending an ordinary fishermen,” the document reads.

The bombers are allegedly targeting populated areas in Zamboanga, Davao, Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, and the cities of Northern and Southern Luzon.

“They are based now in the remote provinces along with the local and some foreign jihadists, but they will move closer to their target areas,” it added.

A certain Superintendent Rodolfo Hernandez signed the memorandum dated February 27.

Quenery said they are validating the information but they are not also taking it lightly. He said they are in constant coordination with their counterparts to improve intelligence gathering and fortify critical points of entry.

Quenery has advised the public to remain vigilant in their communities and immediately report suspicious sightings.

“Let us level up our security awareness not only the government forces but also our populace,” he said.

Meanwhile, police are bracing for possible protest rallies by militant groups following the arrest of six suspected members of the New People's Army in Negros Oriental last Saturday.

Quenery said they are expecting series of protest actions from the militant groups because of the arrest of Myles Albasin, 21, Jomar Indico, 29; Joey Vailoces, 18; Randel Hermino, 19; and two minors.

Albasin is an alumna of the University of the Philippines-Cebu and had been an active student leader in her college days.

They were arrested in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental last Saturday dawn after a brief encounter with the joint team of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. Seized from them were several high-powered firearms.

They were already charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Negros Oriental.