AFP steps up intel ahead of 9/11 anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - The military did not detect any threat ahead of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attack but has stepped up its intelligence operations to prevent any terror attack.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said they did not raise their alert status but are continuously monitoring the activities of armed groups like the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf has links with Jemaah Islamiyah and Al Qaeda, the international terror cell that plotted the violent attacks in the United States in Sept. 11, 2001.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its intelligence units, have not monitored any specific threat. However, we will continue to intensify intelligence collection effort and our networking with other law enforcement agencies,” Burgos said in a news conference.

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

Burgos declined to elaborate on their intelligence measures, saying these things fall under operational matters. However, he said their ground troops are working closely with the police through the joint peace and security councils.

“Since the 9/11 incident, the threat of terrorism will always be there. 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.

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

“We are doing everything we can to contain the operations of the Abu Sayyaf. There will be no let-up in what we are doing,” the military spokesman said.

“We are making significant improvements in alienating the Abu Sayyaf from their mass base. We think that is the key when conducting security operations,” he added.

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

“We need to solicit the support of every individual. We need the information we can obtain from them. They should report suspicious individuals and objects that were abandoned in populated areas,” he added.

Burgos said the death of Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden last year should not prod their troops to lower their guards.

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

Osama was killed by US Navy Seals in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 1, 2011. Some sectors have raised concerns that Osama’s death could encourage his supporters to launch retaliatory attacks.

The military, however, has given assurances that it is capable of repelling such attacks.

The Abu Sayyaf has about 400 members, most of them based in the southern part of the country. The group has been involved in numerous kidnappings and bombing incidents.