Army on high alert over reports of bomb attacks

Saturday, July 12, 2008

THE Philippine Army's 1002nd Brigade is on red alert after reports that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is plotting to bomb several cities and highways in the provinces of Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, and General Santos.

In a statement, 1002nd Brigade commander Colonel Gaudencio Pangilinan said they received numerous text messages and information about the impending attacks and bombings.

He said though that these messages are nothing but psy-war tactics not only of the MILF but the New People's Army (NPA) as well.

Pangilinan also advised the public not to panic.

"Unfortunately others unwittingly become mouthpiece of black propaganda. All generate the same result -- throw our citizens into panic; disrupt commerce and our productive time. A single text message about impending bomb attack causes tremendous strain on purchases, transportation companies, and other service providers," he said.

"Stay calm and trust your Armed Forces, we can and will do our job. If they get any message of this sort, do not pass it wildly. Pass it on to us or any of their military and PNP friends so we can tell them the real score," added Pangilinan.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/07/12/news/army.on.high.alert.over.reports.of.bomb.attacks.html