AFP: No serious threat in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The military assured the public on Wednesday that there is no serious terrorist threat in Metro Manila despite reports that security forces have foiled an attempt by extremists to bomb the metropolis.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Metro Manila residents do not need to worry because government forces are doing what they can to ensure their safety.

“We did not monitor any serious threat,” Cabunoc said in an interview.

“There is no need to worry because we will just continue our close coordination with the police. We have supporters in the communities who can help us in maintaining security,” he added.

On Wednesday, authorities said a plan to bomb Metro Manila has been foiled after the arrest of three men with links to an extremist group in Quezon City. 

Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano identified the suspects as Ricardo Ayeras, Andrescio Valdez and Ricky Macapagal, who were nabbed near Muñoz Market at the corner of EDSA and Roosevelt Avenue last Sunday.

Ayeras is reportedly a member of the Rajah Solaiman Movement who had been charged over the Awang airport bombing in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The three suspects were the subject of surveillance operations of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Cabunoc said he has not received a report about the arrest and the alleged bombing plot.

He urged the public to help authorities in preventing terrorist acts and untoward incidents.

“Reporting highly suspicious activities is the responsibility not only of the armed forces but also the public,” Cabunoc said.