AFP, PNP ordered to closely coordinate after Bangkok bombings

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ordered its units to closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police to avoid an Erawan Shrine-style bombing attack from happening in the country.

“I (have) directed our forces to be extra vigilant and conduct measures to prevent similar incident(s) to occur in our country,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri said.

“Our efforts are in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other organizations engaged in security services,” he added. Iriberri said the Philippines is not welcoming threat groups.

Despite the bomb incident in Thailand, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato clarified that there are no indications that similar attacks will take place in the Philippines.

Detoyato said the military units must be watchful “for any indicator, or indications or any relevant information that must be pursued.”

“There is none as of the moment, but nevertheless, the chief of staff has ordered our troops to be extra vigilant, (and) this means we will just increase our (security) activities and taskings,” Detoyato said.

On Monday, Erawan Shrine in Bangkok was targeted by unknown bombers leaving 22 people dead and 120 others wounded. Another bomb exploded on Tuesday, but landed in the water, sparing civilians.