PCG: No reason to be alarmed, intensified seaborne patrols amid Japan's alert
The public has no reason to be alarmed as intensified border and seaborne patrols are being continuously implemented in the country’s maritime waters amid the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ alert on potential terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia, PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya assured on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Laroya said the district commanders in various regions have been on intensified stricter patrols in vital sea lanes, as well as maritime transportation installations and infrastructure.
"With the latest pronouncement of the Japan Embassy, rest assured that our men and women will not put their guards down and will continue to be vigilant in conducting precautionary measures for public safety,” Laroya said in a statement.
The PCG Commandant said the Coast Guard’s intelligence officers and deployed personnel are now in coordination with the National Intelligence Committee, Anti-Terrorism Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to assist in the implementation of stricter security and public safety issues.
Laroya has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report to proper authorities any suspicious person or activities in seaports, harbors, and coastal communities.
Meanwhile, he assured the maritime stakeholders that despite the warning, they may continue with their normal operations with the Coast Guard.
The Embassy of Japan in Manila on Tuesday, Sept. 14 confirmed that they have received information about a possible terror attack that may occur in any of the six Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
The Embassy said the Japanese government has issued a warning to all its citizens situated in Southeast Asia, however, declined to disclose the source of information.
The warning applies to Japanese citizens who are currently in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
READ MORE: Japan embassy in Manila confirms report on ASEAN terror attack