PNP urges public to report suspicious-looking foreigners

September 12, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious looking foreign nationals in their areas after reports  foreign suicide bombers remain in the country.

In a radio interview on Thursday, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said they are in close coordination with the military and local government units in monitoring foreign nationals who joined the terrorist movement.

"Sometimes we also got information from the public who voluntary informed the authorities when they notice something unusual in their area," said the PNP spokesman.

"That's why we urged them to continue to be alert and vigilant especially on strangers and suspicious looking foreign nationals. It is better to report to the authorities so that we can validate and verify if they have proper documents so we can check their identity," he added.

The PNP believe foreign terrorists enter the country through back door channels with the help of local terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.

"We believe that this is how they enter into our country and not through airports and seaports," said Banac.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) they confirmed that there are around five foreign terrorists monitored in Western Mindanao.

Military said prior to the latest bombing in Sulu they received information about the possible plan of a terrorist group to conduct suicide bombings. 

They said they are looking for two more foreign suicide bombers after the fourth suicide bombing incident in Jolo recently. Ella Dionisio/DMS