Philippines alert for 'ISIS spinoffs' of Hamas's deadly incursion into Israel
But defence official doesn't say whether intelligence received on such plots.
MANILA: The Philippines has placed its security forces on high alert in case pro-IS terror groups in the south copy Hamas’s surprise incursion into Israel that killed over 1,000 Israelis on Oct. 7, it has been reported.
Philippine defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said last week Manila is asking security agencies to be alert for such possible “ISIS spinoffs” in the country, but did not say whether intelligence bodies had received reports that Islamic State-linked militant groups were plotting attacks in the largely Catholic country.
“Anybody can copy whatever happened in the Middle East or what not. Disruptors, let’s call [them]…, or extremists,” Defense Secretary Teodoro told reporters, according to BenarNews.
“I mean it always happens, so any country in this part of the world … even in Europe, [is] on high alert for possible effects of this on their security situation. As much as possible, we are asking [the security sector] to get ready.”
Communities needed to be vigilant as well and must inform authorities if they see anything suspicious, Teodoro added.
Hamas launched sea, air and land attacks against Israel and killed civilian targets on the Oct.7 weekend before Israel retaliated with airstrikes and orders for northern Gaza residents to flee southwards for anticipated ground invasion of the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s airstrikes have led to the deaths or injuries of thousands of people in Gaza.
Separately, the Philippine National Security Adviser’s office said it is working to make it a priority for the Anti-Terrorism Council to designate Hamas a terrorist organisation “in solidarity with the people of Israel.”
“[W]e hope for a swift resolution to this conflict, we pray for the safety of innocent civilians,” National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said in a statement, BenarNews reported further.