He was one of the world's most wanted men and news of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death has been welcomed by a host of global leaders. But fears of revenge attacks have led several countries to issue security alerts
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is bracing for possible retaliatory attacks of local sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the fugitive emir of the infamous terror group, in a United States military raid in Syria.
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Philippine security forces on Monday greeted news of the death of "Islamic State" leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as a "severe blow on terrorist organizations around the globe." However, a spokesperson stressed the military was on high alert against retaliatory attacks.
"We expect that his death will impact negatively on the leadership of terrorists in various parts of the world," military spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement. "Our troops in the front lines remain on high alert to thwart possible attempts to ride on this development," he added.
Former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi addresses followers in an April 2019 video. Al-Furqan Media
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The siege on Marawi City prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao, which is still in effect until the end of the year.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said this was also part of the security preparations being conducted by the police for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day — or “Undas” —when millions of Filipinos are expected to flock to transportation terminals on their way to cemeteries.
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The entire police force was put on full alert status on Monday, which means all leaves of PNP personnel are canceled, to ensure increased police presence for the season.
“We need the maximum presence of police. This is also to prevent possible attacks of terrorist groups or sympathizers of ISIS,” Banac said in Filipino in an interview with reporters.
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, earlier said there was no terror threat being monitored for the observance of Undas.
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Over 35,000 police personnel will be fielded from different police regional offices and national support units across the country for Undas.
They will be augmented by around 99,000 force multipliers from local government units, civic action groups, and civilian volunteer groups.
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This article first appeared on DW & Inquirer.
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