BI on alert for movements of alleged terrorists — Guevarra

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is on the alert for movements of persons who had been floated as potential terrorists from an Asian country, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday.

One of three names that had been tagged as potential terrorists has presented herself to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and has "disavowed any terrorist connection," Guevarra said.

A woman who had earlier been reported as slipping into the Philippines from Sri Lanka to prepare attacks has submitted an affidavit to the NBI's counter-terrorism division and "vehemently denied" she and her fiancé are suicide bombers, according to the Armed Forces.

The other two names have no arrival records, Guevarra said, citing information from the Bureau of Immigration.

"In any event, the BI's anti-terror group is on the alert regarding further movements of these persons," Guevarra said.

The Justice chief earlier ordered the NBI to validate information about an alleged terror plot in Northern Luzon. The bureau has until the end of August to submit an initial report.

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