PNP watching for threats following Middle East tension

January 6, 2020

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said they are monitoring possible threats from sympathizers who may take advantage on the current situation in the Middle East.

“There are also security concerns because there are sympathetic either by race or ideology so the PNP is profiling possible threats, possible groups who might take advantage or who might sympathize,” said Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, in a press briefing.

“So our intelligence monitoring will be continuous up until the problem in Middle East clears up,” he added.

He said as of now, they have not received any threats.

Gamboa also said President Rodrigo Duterte’s primary concern on the situation is the welfare of the Filipinos.

“The primary concern of the President is the welfare of our countrymen. But of course, there’s a plan that will be carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

“The President said, ‘we are obliged to take care of our countrymen’ and the rest of the tasking was given to the AFP,” he said.

He said they are ready to provide any assistance to the military as part of the government’s armed component.

Gamboa said Duterte encouraged them to watch news so they will be updated on what is going in, especially Iran and Iraq.

As for the Feast of the Black Nazarene celebration on Jan. 9, Gamboa said there will be no security adjustment for now.

“But nevertheless, we are continuing our intelligence monitoring and if there is such requirement, the PNP will adjust accordingly,” he said.

A drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani at the Baghdad Airport in Iraq causing tensions to escalate between the two nations as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Americans would be facing the consequences. Ella Dionisio/DMS