Palace not concerned over foiled Naia bomb plot but wary of destabilization
Security measures were tighten-up after authorities intercepted a suspected car bomb at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines – Attempts to bomb the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and other business establishments by alleged dissidents isn’t a grave concern of the government at the moment, a Malacañang spokesman said Tuesday.
“Ang nais lang nating sabihin sa kasalukuyan ay wala namang malubhang ligalig na dapat umiral dahil sa insidenteng ‘yan,” said Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office in a press briefing.
(We just want to say that at present, the incident does not pose a grave threat to the public.)
“Sa pagkawari ng ating Pangulo at ng pamahalaan ay nasabat ang anumang panganib na maaaring idulot ng pangkat na ito kaya nga’t masusing pinag-aaralan ang implikasyon ng naganap kahapon.”
(In the opinion of the President and the government, any danger which might have been caused by the group has been impeded. We are closely investigating the implications of the incident.)
Article continues after this advertisementColoma also said that the bombing attempt by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) did not surprise the government as the group has been closely monitored by state intelligence agencies.
Article continues after this advertisementDestabilization links not ruled out
Coloma also said that the government was not dismissing an outright the claim that the failed bomb attempt was a destabilization plot aimed at overthrowing the Aquino government, saying the matter is under investigation.
“Wala pang ganyang konklusyon mula sa imbestigasyon ng DOJ. Kung kinakailangang kuhanin ang inputs ng iba pang mga elements of the intelligence community, isasagawa rin ‘yan na kabilang sa isinasagawang imbestigasyon,” Coloma said.
(No conclusion has been reached by the DOJ [Department of Justice] investigation. We will ask the inputs of other elements of the intelligence community and ask them to include this in their investigations.)
However, the palace official completely denied that the Naia 3 incident was a diversionary tactic to push Charter change and give Aquino a second term.
Malacañang directed the National Bureau of Investigation and the DOJ to investigate the foiled bombing plot.
Three members of the ultra-rightist group USAFFE were arrested at the Naia Terminal 3 Monday after they attempted to detonate a car bomb at the airport.
The police were able to seize four sets of IEDs―prohibited firecrackers with wicks taped to a plastic bottle full of gasoline, a .38 caliber, special royal scout revolver with no serial number and loaded with five live ammunition and cellular phones from the suspects.
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