PHL terrorism expert: Retaliatory attacks possible after bin Laden's killing

An expert on terrorism warned on Monday of possible retaliatory attacks by followers of slain terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after his reported death. However, Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism (PIPVTR) executive director Rommel Banlaoi said Philippine law enforcers are likely to thwart such attacks. "Yan ang nakikita natin, ang leader pag namatay nagre-retaliate ang followers," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. The attacks will likely come from the Abu Sayyaf, which has links to bin Laden's terrorist network, he said. Balaoi said bin Laden's death has a big effect because terrorists see him as their leader. "Malaki ang impact sa kanila yan. Namatay ang ideological beacon and leader against infidels represented by the United States," he said. Banlaoi pointed out the Philippines is part of the global war on terrorism and that bin Laden has followers not only in Mindanao but also in parts of Metro Manila. Banlaoi said that while bin Laden has followers in the Philippines, most Muslims do not agree with his beliefs. Banlaoi expressed optimism that Philippine authorities are well-prepared to thwart possible terrorist attacks. "Tingin ko handa ang ating forces. We have a better understanding of the threat right now comapared to 911," he said. 9/11 attacks United States President Barack Obama II on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) announced the killing of Osama in Pakistan. Osama was linked to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The September 11 (or 9/11) attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda members on the United States. On that day, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial jets. The hijackers crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City in the US. All those on board the two planes were killed. Many others in the buildings were also killed. Both towers collapsed within two hours after the planes crashed onto them on the morning of September 11, 2001. Nearby buildings were also damaged. The terrorists crashed a third airliner into The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania after some of its passengers and flight crew fought against the terrorists and attempted to retake control of the plane. The hijackers had redirected the plane toward Washington, D.C., to target either the Capitol Building or the White House. There were no survivors from any of the flights. - VVP, GMA News