Arrest bombers, foil threats on Metro, Loren urges police, AFP

Senator Loren Legarda urged yesterday the police and the armed forces to go beyond issuing warnings about possible bombing attacks in Metro Manila, saying those behind such plots must be immediately arrested lest they are able to carry them out.

A reservist colonel in the air force, Loren said that the warnings issued by the authorities must be based on their intelligence gathering and leads which, she said, must be used to foil the planned attacks not only in the metro but also in Mindanao, which had already been rocked by several explosions.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in its pronouncements to media, seemed to be sure that Metro Manila will be the next bombing target. Hence it must have the intelligence reports on which it based its assessment," said Loren, a graduate of the National Defense College of the Philippines.

"These intelligence reports must not only be used to issue warnings, but to stop those who have sinister plans," she stressed.

The senator conceded though that the police and military going on heightened alert in Metro Manila is a necessary precaution against threats similar to what's happening in Mindanao.

"Still, the administration must not be quick to put the blame for the bombings on the MILF and must, instead, concentrate on arresting those behind the bombings, whoever they may be," she said.

Loren said that the bombings in Mindanao are most appalling in that they had not only resulted in the loss of lives and maiming of innocent civilians, but had also caused the United Nations (UN) World Food Program to suspend its food missions to the region.

The UN cannot be blamed for its action because it must ensure the safety of its personnel who had been barred from traveling to the areas under threat, she said.

"In view of this, I urge the government to step up its distribution of food, medicines and other supplies to the affected evacuees because government cannot tell our people to wait one week until the UN resumes its food missions."

Loren said that the bombings also have negative economic effects as investors and businessmen are seen to shun vulnerable areas. She noted a report that many business establishments in Mindanao, particularly in Cotabato City where the President cancelled a planned visit, had chosen to close shops out of fear.