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Saturday, December 30, 2006
Military, police on alert v. repeat of Rizal Day bombings
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would be on a high state of vigilance in anticipation of possible bombings that might be perpetrated by terrorist groups to commemorate Rizal Day bombings six years ago.
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AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the 120,000-strong military establishment and police are exerting efforts to prevent similar bomb attacks on Rizal Day.
"We are assuring you that intelligence troops and other troops are doing something and we are doing our best so that such bombings would not be repeated," said Esperon, referring to the December 30, 2000 attacks that left scores of people dead and injured.
Authorities blamed the Southeast Asian regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and the radical group of Muslim converts Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) as behind the explosions.
Officials said the three groups detonated bombs in the National Capital Region (NCR), including a station of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila, to embarrass the Philippine government before the international community.
The attacks were supervised by self-confessed JI bomber Fathur Roman Al Ghozi. Months after his arrest, Al Ghozi bolted from a Camp Crame jail but was later shot and killed by government forces in North Cotabato in 2003.
Esperon said the military would be on the low terror alert but assured they would be vigilant. He said the measures undertaken to ensure a peaceful Rizal Day are adopted in coordination with the PNP.
"As of now, we are on a low terror alert, meaning the lowest. Nevertheless that should be no reason to be complacent about the terrorist plans so we will be on an alert status," the AFP chief said.
On whether the military establishment is monitoring specific terrorist plans to observe the anniversary of the Rizal Day bombings, Esperon said: "Let us not think about that at the moment, that's very operational."
"We are assuring that the law enforcement agencies and the defense and security forces are always in tandem (to meet any threat). Our coordination is very close, especially with the PNP," he said.
Meanwhile, the military in Metro Manila said it is deploying teams from the 750th Combat Group "to ensure a safe and peaceful" celebration of the 110th death anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal.
NCR Command spokesman Steven Sabando said six teams have been deployed to secure Fort Santiago and Rizal Shrine in Manila while another team of bomb experts and a medical team would panel the areas.
"This effort is part of the government's drive to deter or prevent terrorists, criminals and any ill-willed groups or individuals from taking advantage of the calm atmosphere of this yearly celebration," said Sabando.
Sabando also appealed to the people to report any suspicious movements in the two areas to avert untoward incidents. "Concerned citizens are encouraged to report any unusual event or things to the nearby AFP or PNP station," he said. (VR/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (December 30, 2006 issue)
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