Philippine security forces went on high alert in the capital on Monday, bracing for potential bomb attacks from an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group to avenge the death of a senior rebel leader, an army spokesman said. On Sunday, soldiers killed six members of the Abu Sayyaf group, including guerrilla leader Albader Parad, in a two-hour gunbattle on the southern island of Jolo. The battle was described by the military as a strategic victory over Islamist militancy. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines has adopted measures to prepare for a possible retaliation from the rebel group,” said Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, adding the army and police were monitoring the movements of militants in Manila. “We're closely coordinating with police in the national capital region to thwart any potential Abu Sayyaf attacks. We believe there's a small militant cell operating in Manila.” In the past, rebels have carried out bombings in shopping malls, train stations, commuter buses and crowded markets in retaliation for similar military operations. Brawner said army units in key urban centres on Mindanao island had also been placed on high alert. He said Parad, notorious for kidnappings, bombings and extortion on Jolo, was a major figure among Islamist militants. “This is not just a tactical victory, but we consider this a strategic victory for the peace-loving people of the country,” Brawner told reporters. He said Parad's death could demoralize rebels.
