NBI has until end of August to shed light on terror threat vs. Luzon

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has until the end of the month to file an initial report on information about possible terror attacks in Northern Luzon, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are also validating information about possible attacks in the Northern Luzon Command's area of responsibility.

Laoag City, Vigan City, Tuguegarao City and Manaoag in Pangasinan were reportedly mentioned in a memorandum the military issued for the verification of the information.

"Though I will give the NBI as much time as is needed to validate, if not neutralize this threat, I will direct the agency to submit an initial report before the end of this month," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

"Terrorism, like illegal drugs, is topmost priority for the Department of Justice due to its violent nature and the widespread fear and anxiety that it brings to the general public," he added.

The alert memo said that Nolcom had obtained information that a "crusader city" with business centers and "crusader churches" in Northern Luzon were being targeted for an attack.

"Crusader city” is used by ISIS to describe its target areas to “fuel what they call ‘bandar crusade’ or war between Muslims and Christians," the Nolcom said.

The military has urged the public to remain calm and continue with their daily activities but advised them to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals to authorities. —NB, GMA News