An attack in Manchester

Even if pop star Ariana Grande isn’t scheduled to stage a concert in Manila this August, the bombing outside her concert venue in Manchester, England Monday night should prompt tight security in Metro Manila and other urban centers in the Philippines.

As of noon yesterday in Manchester, 22 people had died and at least 59 wounded from the bomb attack in the city’s arena. Among the dead was the suicide bomber, whose body was reportedly so mangled by the blast that forensic personnel were having difficulty establishing the identity. Security officials said the bombing appeared to be a terrorist attack. Though no group claimed responsibility and the bomber might have been a lone wolf, the Islamic State celebrated the attack in online postings.

As the nation joins the British in mourning their loss, Philippine security officials must heighten vigilance. Manila is no stranger to extremist violence. Crowded Quiapo was placed under a security lockdown recently following bombings in April and early May that left two dead and about a dozen wounded. The Philippine National Police attributed the violence to feuding Muslim factions, but IS claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters killed “five Shiites” in Manila.

Whether the Quiapo attacks were over a personal grudge or acts of IS terrorism, violence could spill over. Soft targets including concerts and public markets, such as the one in Davao, are always the most vulnerable. The PNP must tighten its security monitoring, with assistance from local governments and cooperation from the public.

Prevention of violence through heightened vigilance must be complemented by greater effort to arrest perpetrators together with those who provide them sanctuary, financing and logistical support. Almost all countries face the threat of extremist violence. What matters is how nations deal with the threat.