Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. talks with reporters in ambush interview at SMX convention center in Pasay city. (Photo from INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine government is watching out for possible impact of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the country, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“We are monitoring possible spillover or copycat effects,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview at SMX convention center in Pasay city on Friday.
“Anybody can copy whatever happened in the Middle East or whatnot — disruptors, let’s call them, or extremists,” he added.
Teodoro pointed out that other countries are also on “high alert” due to the current situation in Mediterranean region.
“I mean, it always happens. Any country in this part of the world or any part of the world, even in Europe, they’re on high alert for possible effects of this on their security situation,” Teodoro said.
“I mean, it’s not only here where it happens. There have been ISIS spinoffs in France and the UK, wherever,” he explained.
“Terrorism is a possibility anywhere, so I am not confining it to any particular group,” he clarified.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed an emergency government on Wednesday to direct war against Hamas.
The move was in response to the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israeli history, based on Reuters’ report.
Hamas gunmen invaded Israel from Gaza Strip on Saturday in a surprise assault that killed more than 1,300 people.
Following Israel’s retaliation, Gaza authorities said more than 1,400 Palestinians, mainly civilians, including children, have been killed and over 6,000 were injured.
Meanwhile, three Filipinos were confirmed dead due to the conflict, according to Department of Foreign Affairs.
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