Esperon: Military to remain on high alert

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Tuesday revealed that there could be retaliatory attacks following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and stressed that it is a must for all the country’s security forces to take precautionary actions.

In a statement, Esperon explained that when a terror group had lost its leader, some “adjustments” would be made in its operations and there will be successors no matter what.

“They may not reach the prestige and capabilities or qualities of Baghdadi but somehow, there will be a leadership that will be appointed by the group,” Esperon said.

The National Security Adviser, however, admitted that the operations of local terrorists in the Philippines would be affected especially when it comes to finances but he believes that the local terror groups would continue to bring hostilities to prove that their organizations still exist.

Esperon also still expressed confidence that the government forces would do everything to prevent terror attacks in the country.

Meantime, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had said Baghdadi’s death was just a momentary setback as somebody will surely take his place to lead the group and stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines vowed that it would remain on high alert to avoid any hostilities brought by terror groups.