Active anti-terror campaign leaves terror groups without funds

MANILA, Philippines – The active anti-terror campaign of the Philippines, Malaysian and Singaporean governments has rendered terror groups without funds to carry out bombing activities in Metro Manila for almost three years now.

An official of the intelligence unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) told The STAR that terrorist groups were unable to easily send funds to terror cells in the Philippines for almost three years due to the active anti-terror campaign of the three governments.

“The anti-terror drive of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore is in place, making it hard for financiers to send funds to terrorists here and carry out terror attacks,” said the source.

“Normally before funds are given, financiers would like to be sure of the capability of the (terrorist) cells to carry out attacks. Apparently, financiers doubt if terrorists could carry out attacks, prompting them to hold the release of the funds,” the source added.

The source said one of the last major terror attacks by suspected al-Qaeda-linked Muslim militants was the Valentine’s Day bombings on Feb. 14, 2005 in Manila and in two cities in southern Philippines, where 11 people were killed and at least 93 injured.

Three people were killed on the spot and about 60 injured when a powerful bomb exploded inside a bus in Makati City. The blast set two nearby buses on fire.

The bomb blast in a bus depot in Davao City killed five people. Three people were killed and 33 injured when a bomb hit a shopping mall in the southern city of General Santos on Mindanao at about the same time as the Davao bombing.

The Abu Sayyaf, a militant Muslim group operating in the southern Philippines listed by the US State Department as a “foreign terrorist organization,” claimed responsibility for the three bombings.

A number of bombings also took place in the southern part of the country but police maintained that extortionists and other criminal groups carried out the attacks.

Despite the apparent slowdown in terror attacks, the PNP will continue its drive against terrorists to ensure the safety of the public.

PNP observes 17th anniversary

Meanwhile, the PNP has started to observe heightened security measures inside its national headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City today to ensure the safety of President Arroyo during the PNP’s 17th anniversary on Wednesday.

“It has been our standard operating procedure (SOP) to heighten security in the area to be visited by the President. We have to sanitize for her safety,” Director Silverio Alarcio told The STAR, adding there was no specific threat to her safety.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said the theme of the celebration will be “Mamang Pulis: Tagapagtaguyod ng Karapatang Pantao Tungo sa Kapanatagan ng Mamamayan.”

During the ceremonies, President Arroyo will be assisted by Razon in presenting the Medalya ng Kabayanihan (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal) to Metro Manila Police chief Director Geary Barias; Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman and Special Action Force (SAF) director Chief Superintendent Leocadio Santiago Jr.

Chief Inspector Winnie Temprosa will receive posthumously the coveted Medalya ng Kagitingan (PNP Medal of Valor) from the President during the celebration.

Temprosa died of gunshot and blast injuries when he used his body to shield officials of the PNP Health Service from gunfire and a grenade explosion at the height of the celebration of the PNP Medical Society inside the Multi-Purpose Hall in Camp Crame last Nov. 29, 2006.

Temprosa, 50, was already wounded by shots fired by the gunman, Chief Inspector Renato Poscablo, when he used his own body to absorb the impact of the grenade hurled by the suspect, thus, preventing further injury to senior officers and guests gathered during the event.

The Medalya ng Kagitingan is the highest PNP award for courage and gallantry in action. Temprosa’s widow, Mrs. Pasencia Temprosa, will receive the posthumous award from Mrs. Arroyo.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the other individual awardees are Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal) – PO3 Roland Baucas of the PNP Special Action Force, cited for his role in the neutralization of Abu Jandal and five others believed responsible for the Nov. 13 bombing at the Batasang Pambansa.

Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) – SPO2 Henry A Tupas, Police Regional Office 9, cited for his role in the safe rescue of kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi who was abducted in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay last July 10, 2007.

Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achieve­ment Medal) to Superintendent Rene Balagot of the PNP Health Service for his noteworthy achievement to institutionalize the Enhanced Reimbursement of Hospitalization Expenses project under the PNP Health Care System, and Chief Inspector Abelardo Cartujano Jr., for his commendable service in establishing the Camp Bagong Diwa Quartering Project in Bicutan, Taguig City. Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) of the Year will be Elizabeth E Dantes, Police Regional Office Cordillera.

The other PNP Unit Awardees are Headquarters Support Service – Napolcom Chairman Streamer Award as Best National Administrative Support Unit of the Year 2007; Intelligence Group – Chief PNP Streamer Award as best National Operational Support Unit of the Year 2007; Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, PRO1 – Best Police Provincial Office of the Year; Baguio City Police Office, PRO COR – Best City Police Office of the Year; Dagupan City Police Station, PRO1 – Best City Police Station of the Year; Valencia Municipal Police Station, Negros Oriental, PRO7 – Best Municipal Police Station of the Year; 1104th Provincial Mobile Group, Davao del Sur PPO, PRO11 – Best Provincial Mobile Group of the Year; Police Regional Office 6 – Best Women & Children Protection Desk (Regional); Tarlac City Police Station – Best Women & Children Protection Desk (Urban); Puerto Galera Municipal Police Station, Mindoro Oriental – Best Women & Children Protection Desk (Rural).

Other awardees were Quezon City Police District – Best NCRPO District of the Year; Marikina City Police Station – Best NCRPO Police Station; Public Information Office – Special Award, Plaque of Merit.