Palace not aware of extra preparations for 9-11 anniversary

Malacañang is not aware of any extra preparations by Philippine security forces for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States. But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are conducting a regular assessment of the security situation. “I am not aware of any discussion among security forces in relation to the upcoming anniversary of 9/11. We will ask the PNP and the AFP if we are doing anything more than regular assessment of the security situation in the country," she said on government-run dzRB radio. On Saturday (Manila time), the United States issued a worldwide travel alert against possible attacks by the al-Qaeda terrorist network. The US State Department said its September 2 alert against the "continued threat" by Al-Qaeda and its allies applies to US citizens traveling and residing abroad. "While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary, U.S. citizens should be aware that al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world," it said. It added that in the past, terrorist organizations "have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar." The US was shaken on Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists from the al-Qaeda attacked US targets including the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. — LBG, GMA News