Malacañang urged the public on Sunday to be vigilant against terrorists, amid the resurgence of attacks such as the bombings in France and the beheading of a Malaysian tourist by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao.
“Let’s cooperate [with the authorities] and let’s be vigilant [against terrorism],” said Secretary Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman, during an interview over state-run dzRB.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bloody wave of bombings and shootings across Paris that left nearly 130 people dead and which French President François Hollande denounced as an “act of war” that must be countered “mercilessly.”
Last week, Malaysian engineer Bernard Then, a hostage of the Abu Sayyaf terror group, was beheaded on the island of Jolo.
Then is the first Malaysian hostage to have been beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf.
Lacierda said one of the important components in the fight against terrorism is intelligence sharing among countries.
President Benigno Aquino III has expressed solidarity with the people of Malaysia and vowed “to continue to fight terrorism in all its forms.”
In his final appearance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Aquino reiterated his government’s resolve to use the full force of the law against terrorists.
“President Aquino has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to further intensify operations against ASG and other terror threat elements,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
“[The] Philippines extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and stands in solidarity with Malaysia and Asean in resolutely fighting terrorism,” Coloma added.