Work double time vs urban terror, Arroyo orders agencies

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the Defense Department to work double time against terrorism especially in urban areas, following last Thursday's deadly blasts in Iligan City.   Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Saturday he had ordered the military to coordinate more closely with the police in tightening security, especially during the holidays.   "Mag double time (ang utos niya), laban sa terorismo lalo sa urban areas. Kami pagtitibayin naming lalo ang coordination sa pulis at ahensyang may kinalaman sa seguridad," he said over government-run radio dzRB. [Translation: "She ordered us to work double time in fighting terrorism, especially in the urban areas. So now we have to strengthen our coordination with police and other agencies involved in national security."]   He said they would have to remain focused on finding ways to prevent terrorism from affecting the country.  He said terrorism is not just a nationwide but a global threat.   Teodoro said they will aim to get people more involved in the fight against terrorism by boosting their vigilance.   "Ang pangamba ng ating kababayan dapat sabayan ng vigilance at cooperation (We have to channel people's awareness of terrorist threat towards vigilance and cooperation)," he said.   Earlier Saturday, authorities conducted an anti-terrorism drill in the Cubao district in Quezon City to boost public vigilance and cooperation against terrorism. – GMANews.TV