Vice Presidential bet Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan of the United Nationalist Alliance on Monday urged the military and police to investigate claims on the alleged presence of Islamic State fighters in Mindanao and prevent similar terror attacks in Belgium and Pakistan from happening in the Philippines.
Honasan made the call following the death of at least 65 people, mostly women and children, who were killed in the Easter Sunday bombing in Lahore Park in Islamabad, Pakistan. Two separate bombing incidents have also rocked Brussels and Maelbeek in Belgium.
He said there is the need to safeguard the country’s borders and intensify security measures in light of the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Belgium and Pakistan.
Honasan, a former military official, said: “I have said this in the past, that such attacks are rude awakenings that no free country and people are safe from terrorism.”
“This is an unfortunate reminder to nations like the Philippines, that anyone can fall victims to terrorism. This should serve as a wake-up call to the national government and the law enforcement agencies,” Honasan said.
Honasan explained it is necessary and important that the military and the police authorities go through strict validation and evaluation processes to ensure the safety of the Filipino people.
“All efforts should be exhausted to determine whether or not the ISIS has crossed the Philippine borders. And if ever, do we have concrete plans or steps to counter the Islamic State forces?” Honasan asked.
Honasan also stressed that the core principle of the government on the issue of terrorism and its threat has to be “always the safety of the country’s borders and the protection of Filipino lives especially in areas where ISIS have been monitored.”
Honasan stressed: “These times call for proactive unity, vigilance, and cooperation among the Filipino citizenry and their leaders.” He said: “Now, more than ever, we need to be united in our efforts to preserve and protect life, liberty and property in our homes, streets, communities, and nation.”