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As the war in the Middle East grinds on between the United States and Iraq, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered local authorities to implement the highest level of preparedness.
Arroyo made the order in the face of the important threat of possible retaliatory terrorist attacks by extremist groups in sympathy with Iraq, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Monday in a statement.
"She wants all potential targets hardened, and alertness among our people tightened," Bunye said.
He also urged all hotlines for safety and welfare to operate on a 24-hour basis to give reliable information important to the public.
Arroyo also asked for the full support of the media, Bunye added.
"The public is urged not to believe and/or spread rumors that tend to sow panic or fear. Keep calm, but alert," Bunye soothed.
"The end is not in doubt. We pray for a swift resolution and minimum casualties, especially among civilians," he added, referring to the Iraqi war.
The Philippine government Monday ordered two officials of the Iraqi embassy to leave on allegations of espionage.
(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2003)
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