Filtered By: Topstories
News

PHL Coast Guard on alert for 9/11 anniversary


The Philippine Coast Guard is now on alert for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, inspecting passengers and bags at major ports in the country. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag ordered personnel to monitor incoming baggage, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Thursday. But Liwag also appealed to passengers to also do their part, particularly by reporting to authorities bags left behind in ports and terminals. The report said the Coast Guard is also deploying some 500 new graduates to inspect the ports. Earlier, police in Metro Manila intensified their intelligence-gathering against terror groups, especially in areas where American nationals reside, as the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack nears. An earlier dzBB report quoted Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima as saying that the focus of their intelligence-gathering is more on threats to American nationals staying in Metro Manila. Last weekend, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel alert against possible attacks by the al Qaeda terrorist network. It said 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." — RSJ, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT