AFP sees no threat ahead of Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - The military has not detected any security threat ahead of the Christmas celebration on Dec. 25.

However, the public was advised to remain vigilant against terrorism and other criminal acts.

Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief, said security forces are closely monitoring the security situation to thwart any untoward incident.

“We can say that we have a safe Christmas celebration but we enjoin the people to be vigilant,” he said.

Año asked the public to report suspicious individuals and activities to help fight terrorism.

“The fight against terrorism is a collective effort,” he said. “Civilians have a big role to play.”

Año said security operations in critical areas like Mindanao have been intensified.

The terrorist Abu Sayyaf has about 400 members, he added.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, Army 10th division spokesman, said the Army will step up security measures despite the holiday truce that the government has declared.

“Our mandate to protect civilian communities will remain on top of our priorities as we continue to provide assistance in the relief mission with the local government units and stakeholders,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, Army 8th division commander, said additional security may be provided to vital installations and crowded areas.

“During the SOMO (Suspension of Offensive Military Operations), all line units shall conduct close coordination with the Philippine National Police through the Joint Peace Security and Coordinating Council for possible additional security in airports, seaports, bus terminals, tourist spot destinations, churches and other vital installations,” he said.

“We shall not put our guard down during the SOMO, we will stay on full alert status and respond to any eventualities.”

Capt. Gene Orense, Army 8th division spokesman, said the development programs in local communities will continue despite the ceasefire.

The Army will also adhere to the prohibition against indiscriminate firing during the holiday season, he added.

The holiday truce that the military has declared took effect last Sunday and will be in effect until Jan. 2.

The rebels have yet to reciprocate the military’s ceasefire declaration.

Last year’s truce also started on Dec. 16 and ended on Jan. 2.

Meanwhile,  stricter measures are set to be imposed on the sale of firearms and the issuance of licenses and permits to possess and carry firearms under the government’s gun control program.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) chief, issued the statement in response to queries on what measures his office has adopted to ensure that no incident would transpire similar to the Connecticut shooting where 26 persons, 20 of them children, were gunned down.

 Petrasanta said first, prospective firearms holders will be required to undergo a strict psychiatric examination before being allowed to buy and possess a gun.

   Second, to ensure that any gun buyer won’t be fictitious, he or she would be required to submit ‘proof of billing address’ and other necessary identification, he added.

Third, just like a car, any gun purchased will be registered at the PNP FEO before a gun holder will be issued a separate license card, he added. 

Petrasanta  said only Filipinos, 21 years old and older are allowed to possess firearms under the law.

“Of course, individuals applying for registration of a high-powered firearm will undergo further scrutiny,” he said.