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Arroyo says Philippines ready to thwart terrorist attack
Manila, Oct 10: The Philippines is capable of preventing terrorist attacks by the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah or other groups, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said today after Australia warned that the country faces the region`s greatest terror threat.
Manila, Oct 10: The Philippines is capable of preventing terrorist attacks by the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah or other groups, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said today after Australia warned that the country faces the region's greatest terror threat.
"The Philippines is an open target. But we would like to assure everyone that we are ready to thwart any plan of JI or any other terrorist group," Arroyo said in a statement.
"Potential targets have already been secured and hardened and we will continuously keep up with emerging intelligence assessments."
Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill told a security conference yesterday that the Philippines and its capital, Manila, face the greatest threat of attack by the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah. While Australia and Southeast Asia remain targets, the group "could turn its attention more resolutely" to attacks in the Philippines, Hill said. He noted that Manila's western-style clubs, discos, hotels and symbols of western culture such as multinational businesses and fast-food outlets make it probably the "most target-rich environment in Southeast Asia."
Philippine National Security Adviser Roilo Golez reacted angrily to hill's statement.
"Instead of minister Hill giving a speech, he should have shared his information with us," he said. Bureau Report
"Potential targets have already been secured and hardened and we will continuously keep up with emerging intelligence assessments."
Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill told a security conference yesterday that the Philippines and its capital, Manila, face the greatest threat of attack by the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah. While Australia and Southeast Asia remain targets, the group "could turn its attention more resolutely" to attacks in the Philippines, Hill said. He noted that Manila's western-style clubs, discos, hotels and symbols of western culture such as multinational businesses and fast-food outlets make it probably the "most target-rich environment in Southeast Asia."
Philippine National Security Adviser Roilo Golez reacted angrily to hill's statement.
"Instead of minister Hill giving a speech, he should have shared his information with us," he said. Bureau Report