Verification efforts on JI bombing threat continue, Palace says

Malacañang on Saturday reassured the public that state security forces continue to verify information on alleged threats from bombers from the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist network. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome already said the police organization has taken steps to protect the public. “As with other raw intelligence information, the procedure is to keep verifying. We have to differentiate the substantial reports from unsubstantiated ones," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Besides, she said Bartolome already said the PNP is ready to ensure the safety and security of the public against such threats. On Friday, Bartolome appealed to the public for cooperation and vigilance instead of lapsing into panic, saying citizens should call the nearest police station if they see something suspicious. He said the PNP is now verifying and confirming with its counterparts “persistent" reports that the JI has sent 20 new bomb-makers to the Philippines. In the meantime, he said the PNP has beefed up its surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities. Earlier news reports also indicated some JI personnel may be sent to Metro Manila for so-called “test missions." “Siguro ang kailangan natin ay vigilance. Kailangan sa Metro Manila ay yung pagmamatyag. They should be observant pag may makitang kakaiba o suspicious e i-report agad ito sa kinauukulan. Pag may napansin silang anything that resembles an improvised explosive device ..., huwag kalkalin, huwag sila mismo mag-check. Itawag sa pinakamalapit na awtoridad," Bartolome said.