Government intensifying 'intelligence gathering,
hardening of targets' amid reports of terror attacks
Malacanang said on Sunday that the government is
intensifying its intelligence gathering efforts in order to address reported
plans of international terrorist group al-Qaida to attack targets this month.
The United States has issued alerts to its
diplomatic posts around the world warning of an al-Qaida attack on Western
interests any time soon. The alert expires on August 31.
In a press briefing aired over government-run
radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail
Valte said efforts have also been centered at fortifying alleged targets of the
terrorist group.
“We consulted the National Security Adviser and
the NSA had advised us that we are already intensifying intelligence gathering,
and we continue the hardening of targets which are the focus of these alerts
such as the US Embassy,” Valte said.
She said the government was concerned about the
terror alert and has remained in constant communication with the NSA for
further updates.
“Of course, we take into consideration the alert
that has been issued and then, according to the National Security Adviser, we
are intensifying our intelligence gathering to address the issues that were
raised in the alert,” Valte said. PND (rck)
