FILE PHOTO: Rocket barrages launched toward Israel from Gaza, October 7, 2023. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not received any reports of “sympathetic attacks” in the country so far as the battle continues between Israel and Hamas forces.
AFP spokesperson Col. spokesperson Medel Aguilar, however, acknowledged reports of sympathy demonstrations.
“No threats so far,” he told reporters in an interview in Camp Aguinaldo when asked if the military has received any reports of attacks linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
“While we see also some rallies and protests, these are part of our democratic processes,” he also said.
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In 2022, the Philippine National Police reported that the Palestinian militant group Hamas supposedly planned to “establish a foothold” in the country.
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Subsequently, Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency reported that a source in the group stressed their “declared policy of limiting its conflict with the Israeli occupation within the occupied Palestinian territories, and not to transfer it to any Arab or foreign lands.”
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The Philippines’ anti-terrorism council will push for the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
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The Philippine government has expressed its “solidarity with the people of Israel.”