No reports yet of terror plots against Grace Poe—AFP

Senator Grace Poe (Photo from Poe’s official Facebook page)

MANILA—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not received any intelligence reports of terror plots against independent presidential candidate Grace Poe.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked on whether the military is aware of such threats.

“We are still to receive such reports, but being deputized agencies of the Commission on Elections, we continue to work with the police who are the lead (agency) for the security of the elections (and) to ensure that our candidates are all safe during the campaign, during the elections and thereafter,” he added.

Padilla earlier said the AFP it is increasing the tempo of its operations against known threat groups in the country such as the New People’s Army, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf Group and private armed groups.

Padilla said these operations are designed to keep these threat groups on the run and prevent them from conducting any election-related atrocities.

“Some of the operational considerations at this moment I cannot (impart) or relay to you so we can protect our troops appropriately,” he added.