PNP says security outlook to change if Sulu suicide bomber is Filipino

July 3, 2019

The head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Wednesday said the playing field in terms of security will change once the military confirms that one of the suspects in the twin blasts in Indanan is a Filipino.


"Of course if it's true, (security) will change of course.. I'm not saying it's true that the other one is Filipino but if it is confirmed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, then the playing field will change," Police General Oscar Albayalde told reporters in Subic.


Albayalde said even the international outlook will change.


He said strengthening intelligence gathering and cooperation with foreign counterparts are the only ways to prevent these incidents.


"Also on how these people are being radicalized. We need to address that. My personal view is education," he added.


Mindanao is still under martial law but there were two bombing incidents this year.


The PNP chief said if one is determined to do harm, he can find its way.


"Remember even in developed countries... they (terrorists) can still slip ( into the country). What more (for) us which rely so much on information coming from the community," said Albayalde.


"One, the community should realize that they need to be involved in information gathering. We always said peace and order is the main concern of everybody not only the law enforcement agency," he added.


The twin blasts in Sulu which occurred at the headquarters of 1st Brigade Combat Team resulted in eight dead, including three soldiers, and 22 wounded.  Ella Dionisio/DMS