'RP can thwart terrorist attack'

'RP can thwart terrorist attack'

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines is capable of preventing terrorist attacks by the Southeast Asian militant network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) or other groups, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Friday after Australia warned that the country faces the region's greatest terror threat.

"The Philippines is an open target. But we would like to assure everyone that we are ready to thwart any plan of JI or any other terrorist group," Arroyo said in a statement.

"Potential targets have already been secured and hardened and we will continuously keep up with emerging intelligence assessments."

On Thursday, Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill told a security conference that the Philippines and its capital, Manila, face the greatest threat of attack by the al-Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah.

While Australia and Southeast Asia remain targets, the group "could turn its attention more resolutely" to attacks in the Philippines, Hill said.

Philippine National Security Adviser Roilo Golez reacted angrily to Hill's statement.

"Instead of Minister Hill giving a speech, he should have shared his information with us," he said. -- AP