Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that the public should not be worried despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to PNP Chief PGen. Melencio Nartatez Jr., the current situation in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran poses no direct threat to the Philippines. However, he noted that the PNP continues to monitor the situation and remains ready if there be any potential impact on national security.
The agency’s intelligence units are currently on full alert to monitor possible threats, including criminal gangs, communist terrorist groups, and extremist Islamic groups. The PNP is also coordinating closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the country remains secure against any emerging threats.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that there are no monitored security threats to EDCA sites in the Philippines originating from Iran.
Trinidad explained that the Philippines is approximately 7,000 kilometers away from Iran, placing the country naturally beyond the reach of any missile strikes.
He further clarified that EDCA sites are Philippine facilities that remain under Philippine sovereignty and are not United States military bases.
The Department of National Defense warns against videos and other materials posted online propagating false narratives about the situation in the Middle East. These messages are harmful and cause unnecessary confusion among the public.
The DND enjoins the public to refrain from sharing unverified materials and obtain information only from reliable sources.
Rest assured that the DND remains ready to respond to possible contingencies to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos should conditions warrant further action according to a statement.