PNP says ready to help secure borders from terrorists

MANILA - Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Monday said the Philippine National Police is ready to help other government agencies strengthen security in the country's southern backdoor.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier said about 40 foreign terrorists are in the country, and they may have entered the Philippines through our seaports.

"Subject for verification 'yan, pero kaya tayo may nahuhuli dahil nagsusumikap ang ating security forces. We have an aggressive campaign versus terrorism," Dela Rosa told reporters at Camp Crame.

"I suppose lahat, pati PCG at Navy, magtutulungan kami sa pagbantay sa coastline," he said.

Dela Rosa said the PNP is more than willing to help in manhunt operations against these terrorists.

"Hanapin natin dito sa loob, kung talagang nasa loob na. Magkakaroon tayo ng manhunt operations," he said.

Meanwhile, the PNP is looking into possible links of SPO4 Andy Ata to terrorist groups, after he was arrested with Juromee Dongon, who is believed to be the widow of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani and Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

Ata and Dongon were captured by soldiers and policemen in an operation in Tubod, Lanao del Norte on Sunday.

• Marwan's widow falls in Lanao

"The CIDG will conduct a through investigation on SPO4 Ata. Hindi pa masabi na involved sya. Baka bumisita lang sya dun. Asawa pala nya ang kapatid ng asawa ni Marwan. Family linkages," Dela Rosa said.

He said Ata had long been dismissed from the service.

"Iimbestigahan natin. Hindi naman ito first case... Yung kay Nobleza. Klaruhin natin sa investigation. Hindi porke nandun sya, terorista na agad. Baka malaki ang tsansa na kasama sya sa grupo," he said.

In April 2017, P/Supt Ma. Cristina Nobleza and alleged Abu Sayyaf Group bomber Renierlo Dongon were arrested by government security forces at a checkpoint in Brgy Bacani amid clashes between the ASG and government troops in Bohol.