Palace asks for public's cooperation amid terror attacks

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Sunday called upon the public to support the efforts against terrorism in the wake of the attacks in Paris and Mali and the beheading of a Malaysian national in Sulu.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the public should heed the warnings and advisories of the government and should avoid going to areas frequented by terrorists. 

“You know, terrorism knows no borders now, and therefore we need to cooperate with whatever advisories the government would put out,” Lacierda told state-run radio station dzRB. 

“If there are suspicious items, let’s report it to the proper authorities. We would ask everyone to cooperate and to be vigilant. That is our contribution to our fight against terrorism,” he added.

Lacierda’s appeal came on the heels of the simultaneous terrorist attacks in Paris that left more than 120 people dead and the hotel raid in Mali that claimed at least 21 lives. 

The statement was also issued barely a week after Abu Sayyaf beheaded Malaysian national Bernard Then Ted Fen in Indanan Sulu after his family failed to comply with the bandits’ demands. 

The execution happened while the Philippines is hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which was attended by leaders and delegates from 21 countries. 

Police and military officials refused to verify the report about the beheading until Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak himself issued a statement condemning it as a “savage and barbaric act.” 

Lacierda said the Philippines would continue to work with the international community to combat terrorism. 

“The beheading of a Malaysian national is very unfortunate. The President expressed his solidarity with the people of Malaysia and whatever happens , we will continue to fight terrorism in all its forms,” the presidential spokesman said.

“We have always been active and we have always cooperated. One of the important components also in the fight against terrorism is the intelligence sharing among countries. We have seen that and we have a number of intelligence sharing with other countries,” he added.