AFP: No threat ahead of 9/11 commemoration

MANILA, Philippines – The military has not detected any threat ahead of today’s 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York.

However, Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. yesterday said the military is continuously monitoring the activities of armed groups like the Abu Sayyaf.

“This is part of (our efforts to) make sure that there will be no problems,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, Burgos said troops are working closely with police through the joint peace and security councils.

“Since the 9/11 incident, the threat of terrorism will always be there,” he said. “There is no substitute for preparedness and continuous monitoring of intelligence units so we will have a safe and secure environment for our people.”

Burgos said the military “has made a lot of significant headway” in the fight against terrorism. 

“We are doing everything we can to contain the operations of the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

“There will be no letup in what we are doing. We are making significant improvements in alienating the Abu Sayyaf from their mass base. We think that is the key when conducting security operations.”

Burgos urged the public to help authorities in running after terrorists.

“We need to solicit the support of every individual,” he said.

“We need the information we can obtain from them. They should report suspicious individuals and objects that were abandoned in populated areas.”

Burgos said troops must not lower their guard following the death of al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden last year.

“The death of Bin Laden had an effect (on local terrorists), but we should not be complacent,” he said.

US Navy commandos killed bin Laden in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 1, 2011. 

Some sectors have raised concerns that Bin Laden’s death could prod his supporters to launch retaliatory attacks.

The al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf has been involved in kidnappings and bombings.