AFP monitoring terror front organizations

In the wake of a thwarted terrorist attack on the United States, Philippine authorities have started monitoring “dubious" groups serving as fronts of international terrorist groups. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr on Tuesday said this is aside from intelligence units being deployed to possible ports of entry. “We have deployed intelligence units on possible points of entry as we monitor dubious organizations that may be linked with fundamentalists groups," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio. However, he did not elaborate on the so-called “dubious groups." Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard admitted Tuesday a possible gaping “security hole" in Philippine coastlines. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo admitted Tuesday that of the country’s 1,000 ports, only 100 are manned by government ports authorities. “We have 1,000 ports in the country. Of these, 300 are government ports but of the 300, only 100 are manned by ports authorities," he said in an interview also on dwIZ radio. While he did not say how the 700 other ports are being manned, he stressed there is a need to coordinate closely with authorities to address the problem. Tamayo noted the Philippines has the world’s fourth longest coastline after Canada, Indonesia and Russia. On the other hand, he said other security measures continue to be worked on, including tighter port security measures and the sea marshal program securing passenger vessels. Last week, United States authorities foiled a terrorist plot to transport explosive parcels to the US. Malacañang said government is gathering intelligence information and is monitoring developments on the issue. The Coast Guard on Monday required shipment agents to submit their list of passengers, crew and cargo 48 hours in advance, to thwart a possible terrorist plot involving bombs and explosive parcels. Also, the Coast Guard ordered a more strategic deployment and employment of boarding teams, sea marshals, K-9 Units, Special Operation Groups, Explosives and Ordnance Division, Anti-Terrorist Unit personnel, Field Station operatives, and sustained conduct of seaborne patrols. The Manila International Airport Authority ordered tighter screening and security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado said they are considering an information drive targeting passengers returning home for the Christmas holidays, reminding them on what substances or items are prohibited aboard flights. “We will give additional information on what is not allowed," he said on dzXL radio. Citizen cooperation The AFP asked citizens and other sectors to help government thwart terrorist plots, even as it admitted it may not play a frontline role, at least in thwarting transport of explosive parcels. Mabanta said the task of intercepting such packages and coordinating with cargo forwarding firms is with the Customs, immigration and quarantine authorities. But Mabanta also said citizens can help against terrorism by giving authorities needed information. “The most important players are the citizens themselves. We call on them to be vigilant ... There is a need for the multi-sector society to join hands and unify so buo tayo (we can work together) towards thwarting this potential threat," Mabanta said in an interview on dwIZ. He also admitted the Philippines’ being aligned with western powers has both positive and negative portions, with the negative portion being the Philippines “being looked at as a target by fundamentalist forces." But Mabanta said that while the police and military’s anti-terrorism forces continue to train, it will be the Customs, quarantine and immigration authorities that have the equipment against explosive parcels. Front-line defense Mabanta said Customs, quarantine and immigration authorities are likely to be at the front-lines against terrorist attacks via explosive parcels. “Customs, immigration and quarantine [personnel], I’m sure, have their own special equipment to thwart (the) possible influx of very dangerous items," he said. “We are capable of detecting such dangerous items. It’s a cat-and-mouse game. As we improve our facilities the enemy tries to find ways to be able to go around it. Labanan ito (This is a fight) on who has the better equipment and facilities and means to bring in such dangerous items," he added. — LBG, GMANews.TV