Security expert calls for vigilance vs. ‘constant’ terror threats

By ROGER M. BALANZA

National security analyst Rommel Bantaoi said the security sector in the Visayan regions must be vigilant against threats of attacks by terrorist groups.

Bantaoi in Cebu City on Wednesday, March 16, identified the terrorist groups as the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and Moro terror groups.

The security analyst warned of different ways of perpetrating terror attacks which may be carried out using an aerial drone, “lone wolf” suicide bomber, car bombs, and even animal bombs.

Banlaoi, who spoke during a “colloquium” as part of the celebration of the 34th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Visayas Command (Viscom) on March 29, said terrorist organizations in Mindanao are still capable of staging terror attacks, citing some incidents occurring even after the Marawi siege.

“Terrorism in the Philippines is not disappearing. It is not disappearing because we have to understand terrorism in the Philippines in the context of our domestic security threats. Domestically, we have been experiencing prolonged internal armed conflict associated with communist rebellion initiated (and) led by the New People’s Army and Moro separatist group especially the Abu Sayyaf Group, the various factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other pro-ISIS elements now operating in the Philippines,” he said. (With PNA report)