AFP downgrades alert level except in MManila

Even as it continues to exchange information with its counterparts from other countries to thwart terrorist threats, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has lowered its alert levels except in Metro Manila. In a radio interview Thursday, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said this should send the public the message that there is no cause for Filipinos to panic over possible terrorist attacks. "I want to inform everyone [na] ang red alert, the highest, kahapon ang red alert downgraded natin to white alert level. Hindi na red alert except NCRCom forces (I want to inform everyone that red alert, the highest alert level, was downgraded to white alert as of Wednesday. This is except in Metro Manila)," Mabanta said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said AFP forces in Metro Manila remain on "standby" and red alert, just "to be sure that our forces are alert and on standby in the National Capital Region." "We allowed other unified commands to declare whatever alert level they feel is necessary (but in Metro Manila), they are on red alert," he said.

At least five countries — the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada — have issued travel alerts indicating the Philippines may be a terrorist target. (See: US, 4 other countries warn of terrorist attacks in PHL) The alerts came nearly a week after a near-terrorist attack on the United States. Mabanta said that while the threat of a terrorist attack is "real," they have not monitored any information that terrorist groups are actually here. He added vigilance and preparedness remain the most important things. "The threat is real, it can happen any place, it can happen in the Philippines. At this time walang imminent threat sa ating bansa (But at this time there is no imminent threat to our country)," he said. But for now, he said there is "nothing out of the ordinary" and that "everything is normal." "Makikita natin lahat na tao going through their usual business (We can see people going about their usual business)," he said. Intel coordination Still, Mabanta said the AFP will continue its multilateral intelligence coordination and exchange of information with all friendly nations. "We have defense attaches from these countries, meron tayong (we have) defense attaches (in) friendly nations," he said. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV